A leaking tap is an unnecessary loss of water which can also lead to unwanted build-ups of limescale in baths and sinks.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a dripping tap can waste over 5,500 litres of water a year, so it’s worth making sure your taps are properly turned off and fault free.
Pair of Value Chrome Bathroom Basin Sink Taps
Fixing a leak is relatively simple. Traditional taps are fitted with what is known as a gland nut. This holds in place the watertight packing around the spindle. If the gland nut becomes loose it can cause water to leak between the two items. In modern taps a similar problem can be solved with the addition of a washer replacement. But if you are dealing with traditional taps then the gland nut needs to be tightened.
To do so, undo the small screw holding the tap’s cross head in place and take it off. With some types of taps this may be concealed beneath the plastic cover in the top of the tap. The top cover of the tap will next need to be unscrewed. If the top cover is a metal type with a hexagonal base, you will need to wrap some cloth around it before undoing it with a spanner. The cloth will protect it from scratches. Take care to prevent the tap itself from turning whilst doing this.
With the cover removed, the gland nut (at the base of the spindle) can now be tightened with a spanner. Make sure the nut is not too tight as this will make it difficult to turn on the tap once it is reassembled.
