Beyond Bending Tell You How
Are you tired of the constant drip, drip, drip of your kitchen tap? Not only is it annoying, but it can also waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. The good news is that fixing a dripping tap is usually a simple DIY task that doesn’t require a plumber. Follow these easy steps to stop that annoying drip once and for all.
Gather Your Tools
Before you start, gather the necessary tools. You’ll need an adjustable wrench, pliers, a flathead screwdriver, and replacement parts for your tap. You can find replacement parts at your local hardware store or online. Make sure to get the correct parts for your specific tap.
Turn off the Water Supply
The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to your kitchen tap. Look under your sink for the shut-off valves and turn them off. If you can’t find the valves, turn off the main water supply to your house.
Remove the Tap Handle
Using your flathead screwdriver, remove the cap on your tap handle. Then, use your adjustable wrench or pliers to remove the handle. Be careful not to damage the handle or the tap.
Remove the Tap Mechanism
Next, use your wrench or pliers to unscrew the tap mechanism from the tap body. This is the part that controls the water flow. Once you remove it, inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. If it’s damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
Replace the Rubber Washer
If the tap mechanism looks fine, the most likely cause of the drip is a worn-out rubber washer. Use your pliers to remove the old washer and replace it with a new one of the same size and shape. Make sure to lubricate the new washer with a little bit of plumber’s grease.
Replace the O-Ring
If the rubber washer looks fine, the next thing to check is the O-ring. This is a small, round rubber ring that sits around the tap mechanism. Use your pliers to remove the old O-ring and replace it with a new one of the same size and shape.
Reassemble the Tap Mechanism
Once you’ve replaced the rubber washer or O-ring, reassemble the tap mechanism and screw it back into the tap body. Tighten it with your wrench or pliers, but be careful not to overtighten it.
Reassemble the Tap Handle
Once the tap mechanism is back in place, reattach the tap handle. Tighten the screw with your screwdriver and replace the cap.
Turn on the Water Supply
Finally, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, turn on the tap and check for any drips. If everything looks good, you’re done!
