How To Fix A Leaking Sink Tap

A leaking sink tap can be a major annoyance. Not only is it a waste of water, but it can also cause damage to your sink and surrounding area. If you have a leaking sink tap, there are a few things you can do to fix it yourself. Here are the steps on how to fix a leaking sink tap:

1. Identify the source of the leak. The first step is to identify the source of the leak. This can be done by turning on the tap and looking for any visible leaks. If you can't see any leaks, you can try feeling around the base of the tap for any wet spots. Once you have identified the source of the leak, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Turn off the water supply. Once you have identified the source of the leak, you need to turn off the water supply to the tap. This can be done by turning off the isolation valve under the sink. If you don't have an isolation valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

3. Disassemble the tap. Once the water supply is turned off, you can disassemble the tap. This is usually done by removing the aerator (the small screen at the end of the tap) and then unscrewing the packing nut. Once the packing nut is removed, you can pull the tap handle off of the stem.

4. Replace the washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic disc that sits inside the packing nut. It is responsible for creating a watertight seal between the tap stem and the tap body. If the washer is worn or damaged, it can cause the tap to leak. To replace the washer, simply remove the old washer and insert a new one.

5. Reassemble the tap. Once the washer has been replaced, you can reassemble the tap. To do this, simply insert the tap handle back into the stem and tighten the packing nut. Then, screw the aerator back onto the end of the tap.

6. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Once the tap has been reassembled, you can turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, then you have successfully fixed the leaking sink tap.

If you are unable to fix the leaking sink tap yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.