Taps can spring a leak at any time in there long and faithful service. Various types of taps and their replacements are easily available to purchase in plumbers merchants. Below is a short description of how to resolve a leaking tap body with a non rising spindle. It is a common problem for a tap with this type of spindle. The tap has been designed with the packing gland removed and instead an ‘O’ ring made of rubber has been fitted. Twickenham Plumbers can fit taps and internal packing.

Note: When the operating head of the tap has been taken off, water can be seen getting past its spindle when turned ‘on’

a). Isolate the water supply to the tap before you start any dismantling, then, you should remove the shrouded cover and take the headgear from the body of the tap. Remove the circlip. You can use a screwdriver to do this. It is located at the top of the valve. Be careful as the circlip is brittle.

b). Now the top gear is removed, press on the top of the spindle, unwind and pull it away from the brass housing, you will see the ‘O’ ring. Flip the old ‘O’ ring off and discard, again a screwdriver will do this. A Twickenham Plumber can remove and refit ‘O’ rings. Replace the ‘O’ ring with a new one, apply some silicon grease to ensure the ring is lubricated and that it forms a good sound seal.

c). Begin to re-assemble the tap. this part should not take long. Once the tap is rebuilt it can be tested for leaks to make sure job has been successful. If the tap leaks, repair by replacement of the whole unit should be carried out.