Bathroom tap requires being turned many times before running

[SK1618]

I need to turn my bathroom tap many times before the water actually starts to run. It is also not very powerful when it does start to run. It was not like this when the tap was new.

Do I need to replace the entire tap, or is there, for example, a washer that could be replaced.

Thanks

 

[Dan Robinson]

Strip the mechanisms out and reassemble with fresh washers and silicone grease (not sealant).

While they're out it is worth checking for washer debris in the tap body.

 

[Blagard]

Turn off the cold water supply and open the tap fully, when it stops running carry on.

Get a spanner onto the big hex immediately above the spout and unscrew the headworks. You may need to put a wrench on the spout to stop the tap turning, if you do, wrap the spout in a heavy cloth to protect it from the wrench jaws. Lift out the headworks and the old tap washer will usually be on the end of it, but if not, you will find it sitting inside the tap body. Get a replacement washer the same size as the supporting plate behind the old washer (The old washer has probably spread which is why it sticks in the shut position) and replace the washer. Refit the headworks and it should be job done.

If the tap used to weep around the spindle then strip the headworks down like Dan said. But from the photo it does not look like it needs that. It is not often that you need to replace any other washers.

If by some chance you used to have to turn the tap hard to stop it dripping, it would indicate that the seat in the tap body may need reseating. If that was the case you would need a reseating tool to do that.

I would hazard a guess that it will take an ordinary tap washer so you could buy a set before you start as they are fairly cheap use the one that is the right size! If not the same as the ones below you will have to search for the right one but 3/4" and 1" are common plain washers on taps like yours.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/bath-tap-washers-34in-pk2/invt/420052/
Bigger = http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Plumbing/Washers+Fixings/Flat+Tap+Washer+1/d20/sd2703/p25929

Reseating tool-if you need one!
http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/500530