Non-Rising Spindle Tap Leak

Different taps exist in the plumbing world. This type is quite a common example.
This design of tap has the packing gland replaced by a rubber ‘O’ ring.


If you remove the tap operating head you will be able to see that the water is escaping past the spindle if the tap is turned on. Boiler Installations London plumbers fit washers on taps.


To Fix This Leak:

1). Isolate the water supply for the tap with the leak. Now, undo and remove the easy clean shrouded cover and remove the headgear from the tap body.

2). Next, remove the circlip that is fitted at the top of the valve.You can achieve this by using a screwdriver placed between the open edges and twisting very gently, this will force it apart, once done you can slip from the spindle. Be aware that this circlip is very brittle and will sometimes break. Should this occur, you need to fit a brand new one.

3). Hopefully now you have got the headgear safely in your hands, push on the top of the spindle, unwind it and remove it completely from the brass housing, you will now see the ‘O’ ring. The old ‘O’ ring can now be flipped off, which you will be able to do yet again using a small screwdriver. A Boiler Installation London craftsmen can refit ‘O’ rings. Replace the ‘O’ ring with a new one, applying silicon grease to provide a lubricant to guarantee a good seal.

4). Finally you can start to re-build the tap. When you have completed the rebuild you will then need to test the tap to make sure you have done it right. If this repair has not resolved the leak it may be due to excessive wearing of the spindle, in this case a brand new tap would be required.
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