What to do when your Kitchen Sink Tap is Leaking

Introduction

There is nothing more annoying than having a kitchen sink tap that is leaking. Not only does it make annoying dripping noises, but it can also waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. However, the good news is that you can easily fix the problem yourself without having to call in a professional plumber. In this article, we will show you what to do when your kitchen sink tap is leaking.

Step 1: Turn off the water supply

The first thing you need to do when your kitchen sink tap is leaking is to turn off the water supply. This is important because if you don’t turn off the water supply, you could end up flooding your kitchen. The water supply valve is usually located under the sink, and you can turn it off by turning the valve clockwise.

Step 2: Remove the tap handle

Once you have turned off the water supply, you need to remove the tap handle. This can usually be done by unscrewing the screw that is holding the handle in place. If you can’t see the screw, it may be hidden under a cap that can be removed by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver.

Step 3: Inspect the washer

With the tap handle removed, you can now inspect the washer. The washer is usually located at the base of the tap and is responsible for creating a seal to prevent water from leaking out. If the washer is worn, damaged or dirty, it can cause your kitchen sink tap to leak.

Step 4: Replace the washer

If the washer is the problem, you need to replace it. You can buy a replacement washer from your local hardware store. To replace the washer, you need to unscrew the nut that is holding it in place, remove the old washer and replace it with the new one. Then, screw the nut back on.

Step 5: Reassemble the tap

With the new washer in place, you can now reassemble the tap. Simply screw the handle back on, making sure that it is tight enough to prevent it from coming loose.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply

Once you have reassembled the tap, you can now turn on the water supply. Turn the valve anti-clockwise to allow the water to flow back into the tap. Make sure to turn it on slowly to avoid any sudden surges of water.

Step 7: Check for leaks

With the water supply turned back on, you need to check for leaks. Turn on the tap and let the water flow for a few seconds. Then, turn it off and check for any signs of leaking. If there are no leaks, congratulations, you have successfully fixed your kitchen sink tap!

Conclusion

Fixing a leaking kitchen sink tap is not difficult, and you don’t need to be a professional plumber to do it. By following these simple steps, you can save yourself time and money by fixing the problem yourself. Remember to turn off the water supply, inspect the washer, replace it if necessary, reassemble the tap and check for leaks. With a little patience and some basic tools, you can have your kitchen sink tap working like new again in no time.