How to fix leaking tap?

Sammywench

I recently replaced the washer on my hot water tap in the shower a couple of weeks ago. First time ever I'd done one. Prior to replacing the washer I turned it off as hard as possible for a long time rather than fixing the washer asap. One day it turned so far around that the water came back on and I was forced to replace the washer. I'd noticed in the past couple of days I had to turn it off harder and this morning when I turned it off, the tap again turned right around and the water came back in. It's dripping fast enough now that I've put a bucket under it to catch the water. 

I'm wondering if anyone can advise me how to fix this as I don't want to be doing washers every 2 weeks. I couldn't find anything online. The taps are about 20 years old, and maybe I need to replace that instead. 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

MitchellMc

Hi @Sammywench,

It sounds like what you’re experiencing goes beyond just the washer itself. With older taps, especially ones around 20 years old, repeated stress or turning the handle too hard can damage the washer seat inside the tap spindle. That’s the smooth metal surface the washer presses against to stop the flow of water. If the seat has become worn, scratched, or even cracked, it can chew up new washers very quickly, which might explain why your replacement washer is failing and why the tap can be turned “right around” and still let water through.

The first step would be to remove the current washer and inspect it for damage, but even if it looks okay, the problem may be the seat inside the tap. A damaged seat is tricky because it can’t always be repaired, and it can continue to destroy new washers. Given the age of your tap and the unusual behaviour you’re seeing, the safest approach is probably to have a plumber take a look. They can assess whether the tap spindle or seat needs repair, or if it’s better to replace the entire tap. Trying to repeatedly fix washers on a worn tap will likely just keep repeating the same problem, so replacing the unit may save you time, water, and frustration in the long run. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell