How to Fix a Dripping Tap Tap fixing are an important part of every kitchen and bathroom. They are functional and also add to the design and aesthetics of a room. Sometimes, they get stuck because of rust or gunk build-up. Fortunately, they are easy to fix if you have the right tools. Repairing a dripping tap Dripping taps are a common problem that can be extremely annoying and even damaging to your property if left unattended. However, learning how to fix a dripping tap is an essential DIY skill that every homeowner should know how to do. The first thing you should do is make sure that your water supply is turned off. This is essential to protect your worktops and the rest of your home. Next, you’ll need to remove the handle of the tap, if it has one. This may be a little tricky, so you might need to use some penetrating oil to loosen it up. You’ll also need to remove the shroud or skirt that sits on top of the tap. This is usually made of metal, and can be a bit of a pain to remove, so try to cover it with some tape or cloth before you start. Once you’ve removed all the parts of your tap, you can begin to replace them with a new washer and valve. This is a fairly easy job, and will save you a lot of money by avoiding calling out a plumber. Unstucking a dripping tap A dripping tap can be a very annoying problem. It can create a puddle in your kitchen, ruin cupboards and even lead to mould and mildew growth. Before you can fix a dripping tap, you need to get it drained. Do this by turning off the water using an isolation valve or stopcock, depending on which one you have. Afterwards, unscrew the tap handle in a bid to expose its mechanism below. This can be tricky, but a squirt of lubricant like WD40 may help loosen it up a little. Once you have done this, it’s time to unscrew the headgear nut from underneath the tap body. This will allow you to remove the entire body of your tap from its fitting, without damaging your pipework. Once the body has come out, you can see the oh-so-cool central screw which will hold the hot and cold cartridges. This can be removed with a slot-head screwdriver. Replacing a dripping tap Dripping taps are one of the most annoying plumbing issues, but they also waste a huge amount of water. This is why it’s crucial to get the problem fixed as soon as possible – not only will this help prevent future damage, but it’ll also save you money on your water bills. The first step in fixing your dripping tap is to switch off the water supply to it. This may be done by using an isolation valve specific to the problem tap, or a stopcock attached to the pipes underneath. Next, locate the screw that holds the visible parts of your tap together (usually hidden under a hot and cold cap). This can be unscrewed by hand, or you can use a slot-head screwdriver to pop it off gently. Take the head of your tap and any metal cover around the neck off – this will reveal the brass spindle or valve which is the culprit behind the leak. Using an adjustable spanner, turn the valve until it’s loose enough to remove and replace it with a new washer or cartridge. Replacing a stuck tap Whether you’re creating internal threads for a workpiece or you’re simply trying to remove a broken tap, this is a common machining problem. The good news is that there are a few ways to fix this issue. One option is to use a strap wrench. This tool can tighten around the tap head and help remove it. Another is to lubricate it with WD40. This should loosen any build-up of rust, dirt or scale that is preventing it from moving freely. Finally, if you have a blowtorch, applying heat can loosen the build-up and make it easier to remove. It’s not always successful, but it can be a handy option for certain types of taps. This is a very simplistic way to fix a broken tap, but it’s not always practical. It can also damage the workpiece if you’re not careful. It’s best to leave this process to the professionals. They can minimize the risk of tap damage and get the job done quickly and efficiently.