Cures for dripping taps

When a basin. sink or bath tap starts dripping, this either means that the washer needs replacing (easy and cheap) or the seat against which the washer seals, has become damaged.

This damage is usually caused by the water flowing over it wearing away the metal unevenly. To overcome a damaged seat, there are a number of things you can do:

• Fit a new tap (expensive);
• Recut the seat (you need a tool and a bit of skill);
• Fit a seat insert as detailed below.

This shows a typical pack, 2 seat inserts (white), 2 jumpers (red) and 1 insertion tool (green).

1. Turn off the water to the tap.
2. Turn on the tap to drain any water from the system.
3. Remove the top section of the tap and discard the old washer and jumper.
4. Apply petroleum jelly liberally to the green insertion tool (A) and fit into the top section of the tap. Place the white seat (5} over the green insertion tool (A).
5. Lightly screw the tap top back in position, and turn the tap handle until it is fully off. This will ensure that the white Polyacelal seal (B) sits firmly in place.
6. Unscrew the top section of the tap again, remove the insertion tool (A) and place the red Polyacelal washer (C) into the upper section of the tap.
7. Reassemble the lap so that the red washer (C) fits firmly onto the white seat (B) to make the perfect seal that will stop the drips.
   

The other type of replacement tap seat is very similar but has a flat replacement washer rather than the cone type above.

1. Turn off the water supply to the tap.
2. Turn on the tap to drain any water from the system. Open the tap as far as it can go.
3. Remove the top section of the tap and discard the old washer and jumper.
4. Place the seat in the base of the tap, and fit the replacement jumper into the top of the tap.
5. Fit the top of the tap to the tap base and screw down the tap - this will force the new seat into position.

These replacement seats/washers are sold in the UK under the name 'Full Stop Washer & Seat' by Robimatic.