How To Fix A Dripping Tap (Bib Or Pillar)

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Turn off the water supply

Before you begin, make sure you turn off the water supply to the tap you are working on. This may mean turning off the water at the mains tap for your house. This is usually located under or near your kitchen sink. If working on a hot tap you may need to locate the hot water tank and turn off the supply from there.

Now check that the water is off by turning on your tap. Very little water should come out. When you are sure that the mains are off, turn the tap fully on to drain it of any excess water.

Step 2: Handy Hint

Put in the plug. This will stop you losing anything down the plug-hole whilst you are dismantling the tap.

Step 3: Unscrew the head gear nut

Before you begin, it's a good idea to tape your wrench or spanner to avoid damaging the tap's chrome finish.

Use your suitably sized spanner or wrench to unscrew the headgear nut.

Step 3: Handy Hint

If the head gear nut's too stiff, try placing a suitably sized spanner over the nut that holds the tap in place underneath the sink. Locking the other spanner tight as you unscrew the headgear will hold the tap in place and provide leverage.

Step 4: Remove the stem of the tap

Once you've unscrewed the nut remove the entire top assembly of the tap. This is known as the ‘stem'. Right at the bottom of the stem is the rubber washer. Remove it by pushing it off with your fingers. If this proves difficult try easing it off with the end of your screwdriver.

Step 5: Clean the tap stem

It's a good idea to use this opportunity to clean the tap stem with the steel wool. Once you have done this, remove any remaining debris with a soft cloth. This will ensure that the washer has a closer fit with the tap and is therefore less likely to leak.

Step 6: Reassemble the tap

Place the new washer onto the stem. Replace the stem and fix it back in by screwing the headgear nut.