My tap is leaking, what now?

1. Turn off the water

The first step in repairing a leaking tap is always to shut off the water supply. This prevents you from causing a water ballet during the repair and ensures you can work safely. Usually, the shut-off valves are under the sink. Turn them to the right to shut off the water. If you can't find the shut-off valves, you can also turn off the main tap, which is often located near the water meter.

2. Let the water drain

After you've shut off the water supply, turn on the tap to let the remaining water drain out. This prevents water from still coming out of the tap when you take it apart. Make sure the tap is completely empty before you continue.

3. Take the tap apart

Now the real work begins. Depending on the type of tap you have, the disassembly process may differ slightly. Here are the general steps for most standard taps:

• Remove the tap handle: Often there's a small screw under a decorative cap that you need to remove. This cap can usually be carefully pried off with a small flat screwdriver.
• Remove the tap lever: After the handle is removed, you can remove the tap lever. Sometimes you need to unscrew an additional screw for this.
• Use an adjustable wrench: Loosen the nut that holds the tap in place. Be careful and use the right size wrench to prevent damaging the nut or the tap.

4. Inspect the parts

A leaking tap is often caused by worn parts such as a washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Look carefully at these parts to see if they're damaged or worn. Here's a brief explanation of these parts:

• Washer: This is a rubber ring that's often at the bottom of the tap and seals against the tap seat. If this is worn or damaged, water can seep through.
• O-ring: This is a small rubber ring that's often around the base of the tap lever. If this ring is worn, it can also cause leaks.
• Cartridge: This is a part in the tap that regulates the water flow and temperature. If this is worn or damaged, water can leak through.

5. Replace the broken parts

Visit a hardware store or plumbing shop and buy new parts that exactly match your tap. It can be helpful to bring the old parts so you're sure you're buying the right replacement. Here are some tips for replacing the parts:

• Replace the washer: Remove the old washer and place the new washer in the same spot. Make sure it fits well and seals properly.
• Replace the O-ring: Remove the old O-ring and place the new O-ring around the base of the tap lever. Optionally use some tap grease to keep the O-ring smooth.
• Replace the cartridge: Remove the old cartridge and place the new cartridge in the same spot. Make sure it's firmly in place and can't move.

6. Put the tap back together

Assemble the tap in reverse order of how you took it apart. Make sure all parts are firmly in place, but don't tighten them too much, as that can also cause problems. Here are some tips for assembly:

• Put the tap lever back: Place the tap lever back in place and tighten the screw again.
• Attach the tap handle: Place the tap handle back in place and tighten the screw. Then place the decorative cap back.

7. Turn the water back on

Once everything is back together, turn the water supply back on. Turn on the tap to check if the leaking has stopped. Pay close attention to whether water is still seeping out anywhere. If the tap is still leaking, check if all parts are firmly in place and if you haven't missed any steps. If the problem persists, it might be time to call a plumber.

When to call a plumber?

If after all these steps you still have a leaking tap, it's time to call someone with expertise. Then create an account and post your first task or help a neighbor out. If you have questions or comments, you can always check our FAQ or leave a message.

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