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How to fix leaking bathtub tap?

Water is dripping from behind the handle of the cold water tap in my bath tub. This is regardless of whether it's the hot water tap or the cold water tap that is turned on.

I've followed the advice I've seen, and replaced the washers, the o-rings, and the tap valves. But the water is still dripping whenever either of the tap is on. So I guess I've to either reseat the tap or replace the tap seat altogether.

My question is, which tap seat do I reseat/replace: the hot tap, or the cold tap, or both?

And why does it even drip the way it does!? Why does the water drip from behind the cold handle even when it's just the hot water tap that's turned on!?

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Jason

Hi @Lynn3,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We're pleased to have you join us.

Let me tag a couple of our experienced members in @JDE and @Dave-1 to see if they can kick off the discussion before one of our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts can assist.

Jason

Dave-1

Good morning @Lynn3

Is there a chance of a photo so you can show where the leak is happening?

The picture I have in my head is that the water is leaking from next to the tiles and not out of the tap?

The spindal washer may have perished but will wait for confirmation/pic of where teh water is coming form.

Dave

Lynn3

Hi Dave,

Please see the photos here. The water droplets are more visible in the second photo.

Lynn

EricL

Hello @Lynn3

It appears that the leak is coming from the base of the spindle rather than top section. I can see that you have replaced the red felt washer of the spindle body. I propose using your shifter and tighten the spindle a little bit further and see if the leak stops. However, if the spindle is already very tight and it is still leaking despite the repairs you've made, it might be time to replace the spindle itself. It might be worn down or the brass threads have deteriorated.

I suggest having a look at the Estilo Chrome Wall Top Assembly Set for a basic repair set or for a more premium set I recommend looking at the Shaw & Mason 1/4 Turn Clockwise Chrome Plate Ceramic Disc Wall Spindle.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Afternoon @Jason

🙂 Thank you for the photo and yeah I agree with @EricL's suggestion. I have come across the rubber O rings on the spindle perishing and have tried replacing them but it wasnt satisfactory and I ened up replacing the spindal.

Dave

Lynn3

I tightened it with a tube spanner, and it's still dripping. So I guess I have to replace the spindles. I'll definitely try the 1/4 turn taps, as they're easier to use. Thank you all!

EricL

Hello @Lynn3

Thanks for that update, if the leak refuses to stop, it's time to replace the spindle. My best advice is to bring the old spindle with you to the store to make sure that you get correct length when upgrading to the ceramic set.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your taps functional again.

Eric

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