Child Item

Is there a limit to bathroom tap reseating?

Hi There!

I am needing to replace the washer in my bathroom sink tap as it constantly drips even when turned off as hard as possible (I'd worry about breaking the tap trying to tighten it more)
When I have removed the tap and looked at the washer it is definintely in need or replacing but I have noticed that the "seat" of the inner area (where the washer seats made of what looks like brass) is in need of re-seating - thanks Bunning community for so many posts about what to look for 🙂

My only concern is that it looks like there is pitting or damage on the brass and might need a reasonable amount of turns of the re-seating tool to clean it up perfectly.

I just want to know, is it possible to go too far with reseating? Is there plenty of material in the brass that needs to be reseated?

The pitting is only minor but I would hate to be "re-seating" and cut down too deep.

NOTE: The reseating tool is one of the handheld ones that screw into the tap fitting and is hand operated with a handle.

Thanks in advance

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Repairing

Plumbing

Accepted answers

All comments

Jason

Welcome to Bunnings Workshop @JayNJo. We're pleased to have you join the community. Feel free to hit the Ask a question button anytime you need a hand.

Please note that a couple of our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts are taking a well-earned break at the moment, so there might be a bit of a delay before one can get back to you. Sorry about that.

Let me see if some other helpful members can share their thoughts: @TedBear, @JDE, @LePallet.

Jason

TedBear

Hi @JayNJo , While I'm sure that there must be some limit, I have reseated taps many times over the years at my home and never felt that I was anywhere near thinning out the brass. It's pretty thick in that area. Be careful when using the reseater as they can "chatter", leaving waves in the seat if you don't keep the down pressure firm and controlled while turning it.

Best wishes for your reseating.

MitchellMc

Hi @JayNJo,

As @TedBear has mentioned, you'll have no issue resurfacing some minor pitting. You could grind away for hours before you went through the seat. Some people try to grind cracks out of them.

Let us know how you go and if you have any questions.

Mitchell

JayNJo

Thanks so much for the advice @TedBear and @MitchellMc , this was very helpful 🙂

Off to do some re-seating.

Thanks again.

sjkehoe72

Hi Jay, I’ve been a Plumber for 37 years. I’ve worked installing and maintaining all sorts of installations. I would advise you that it’s all about, knowledge and experience. Old taps with a rising spindle are generally much better quality and can be serviced multiple times. Newer taps are cheaply made and sometimes it takes ages to regrind the seatings. Always remember to leave the tap open whilst turning the water back on. This flushes the brass fillings out.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @sjkehoe72. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for jumping into the discussion.

It’s fantastic to have new and knowledgeable members like yourself join us. With your plumbing experience, I’m sure our community members will really appreciate the insights you bring, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of your contributions. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime you need assistance — or if you have more tips, advice, or projects to share.

Mitchell

Child Item