Plug the hole - Always insert the plug in the hole.
This saves any small objects that might fall from the tap during repair.
When reassembling the tap apply some silicone grease
to the spindle to aid removal in the future.
Introduction
If when the tap is used water leaks from under the head
of the tap or the tap judders then the gland packing or
O-ring probably needs replacing.
There is one of two types of spindle found in a tap, the
rising spindle (older taps) and the non-rising spindle (newer
taps).
O-ring replacement
The first is usually found in newer types of taps, it is
the non-rising spindle. Initially disassemble the tap. With
this type of spindle the circular clip around the top can
be removed with a screwdriver and the spindle should then
come out quite easily. The one or two O-rings can then be
removed with the aid of a screwdriver if necessary. Replace
these O-ring/s with new ones with the same inner-circumference
(the outer circumference will be worn). The tap can then
be reassembled in the reverse order.
Gland packing replacement
The second type of spindle is the older rising spindle.
To remove the head (usually a cross type head) find the
fixing screw for the head which is usually located under
a plug in the centre of the tap or on the side of the head.
Once the top of the tap is removed the gland nut is revealed.
Initially, try to tighten the gland nut as this could solve
the problem, if however it doe not then it must be removed
and the old gland packing must be removed. Once the old
packing is clear wind some PTFE tape around the spindle
and push it down into the gland cavity. Finally before reassembling
the tap, grease the spindle to aid removal next time.
O-ring replacement on mixer taps
The base of the centre spout found on mixer taps usually
contains an O-ring which needs to be replaced if water is
leaking from the spout. Remove the centre spout, usually
secured with a retaining screw at its base. Once removed
follow the O-ring replacement guide above.
