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How to fix dripping shower?

I've had a dripping shower head for a while and it's really excessive the amount of water it wastes. Using some other community posts I figured I'd give it a go to fix it but after opening it up I have more question's than before.

So what's wrong with my tap please help?

Information:

This is my cold tap, once removed the white lining around the edge fell apart immediately. I also noticed with the water shut off there was still a slow drip coming from thr socket but im not sure that's normal.

I couldn't figure out what the O ring was and was confused about the white circular plastic seal thing which crumled

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EricL

Hello @KieranHarbinson

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your tapware.

On your first picture you will notice a white plastic piece that is sitting on top of your spindle. This plastic piece is called a jumper valve or tap valve, and it often has a rubber piece at the end of it to stop water from flowing through. If you look at your second picture, you'll see a rubber piece that is stuck inside the tap seat of your tap mixer body. That piece is what use to be on top of the jumper valve and has now come off.

I suggest getting some long nose pliers and removing the rubber piece that got left behind inside. Once you have removed the old rubber piece, I suggest replacing the jumper valve with FIX-A-TAP 13mm 1/2" Leaklock Tap Valve. I also suggest having a look at this guide - How to replace a tap washer.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

KieranHarbinson

Thank you, I'll buy the tap valve first and replace it.

KieranHarbinson

Hi Eric I purchased that valve replacement you linked and my leak is actually faster now. Is there a chance I've got the wrong size? I've attached a photo of the old one vs new one (old one on top vs new one bottom)

EricL

Hello @KieranHarbinson

One reason that your new jumper valve is not sealing properly is that the brass seat on the spindle base appears to be damaged. I've only noticed it now having had a closer look at your second picture. Generally speaking, this could be fixed by using a Tap Reseater Indoor / Outdoor Tap Reseater, but if the damage is too deep, you'll need to engage the services of a licensed plumber. They will have the tools and parts to repair the seat properly.

If you've not used the Reseater tool before, I suggest leaving it to the plumber as incorrect seating can cause further damage and render the spindle base unusable. In the meantime, I suggest using the jumper valve that you have to temporarily slow down the water until the plumber shows up. You can also try using the Kinetic 12mm Dome Nylon Washer Jumper Tap Valve if the plumber is not able to get to your straight away.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

KieranHarbinson

Thank you for the help and very quick replies. As I'm unfamiliar with plumbing in general I'll have to call a plumber. And this leak has been going on about 2 months I've just finally gotten time to fix it do I'm in no rush.

Thank you again

KieranHarbinson

Hi Eric before hiring a plumber I decided to have one last look at the tap seat to see if it's mild damage and if so I could attempt fixing it using the grinder. I've attached a closer high resolution photo. What's your opinion? Is there damage to the seat if so how much? Thank you Kieran

EricL

Hello @KieranHarbinson

If you look closely there is a channel that has formed on the right-hand side and the left-hand side of the seat is still flat. Now it's not so deep yet, but I can't tell how badly it is affecting the sealing process of the spindle. I propose trying to fit the new jumper valve in one more time to see if it will seal properly. If it still leaks terribly then that channel in the brass seat is definitely affecting it. Technically speaking you are not supposed to see anything on that brass seat, it's supposed to be totally flat.

My best advice when using the re-seater is turn with a light touch, there is no need to use extreme force on the tool. Your goal is to polish the seat and remove any blemishes.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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