Servicing Your Tap Like A Professional

Maintaining your home's taps is essential for preventing leaks and ensuring a steady flow of water. Often, a dripping tap can be fixed with a straightforward washer replacement, but a thorough tap service involves more than just this step. By following a few key steps, you can service your taps at home effectively, much like a professional plumber would.

Step 1: Initial Preparations

Before commencing the tap service, it's crucial to shut off the water at the main tap. Once done, drain the line and carefully remove the tap handles, flanges and spindles. Using a reseating tool, grind the tap seat meticulously until it's impeccably clean, shiny, and devoid of any cracks. This preparatory step sets the foundation for a successful tap service.

Step 2: Flushing Out Debris

Turn the water main back on half a turn for about ten seconds with spindles inserted back in without any washers and remove aerators from spouts. If aerators or shower heads cannot be removed leave spindles out and flush out all of the brass filings that were created while grinding. This step is very important, if filings are left in they will stick to new tap washers and cause them to leak again.

Step 3: Spindle Servicing

Service the spindles: the spindle is in two parts; it must be separated manually by twisting the central section out, once it is out the black rubber ‘O’ ring must be removed. Clean the threaded spindles with a wire brush then put a new O ring on. Apply tap grease to the threaded spindles and ‘O’ ring, this will lubricate the spindles and allow tap to turn with ease.

Step 4: Installing New Washers and Reassembly

Insert the spindles back in using new tap washers; replace the red fibre washer which seals the spindles to the body. Ensure the spindles are open fully while tightening into the body. Turn the spindles off and open the water supply, check for leaks, put tap, handles and flanges back on ensuring the hot and cold buttons are fitted correctly.

When conducting this tap servicing process at home, it's essential to take each step carefully and attentively. If you encounter any difficulties or uncertainties during the process, don't hesitate to reach out to Plumbing For Life. Our team of professionals is always ready to provide guidance or assistance, ensuring your home's tap servicing is carried out effectively and efficiently.

Servicing your taps periodically not only prevents leaks but also ensures the longevity of your plumbing fixtures. With the right steps and attention to detail, you can maintain your taps and enjoy a reliable and functional water supply in your home for years to come. If you encounter difficulties please do not hesitate to contact the team at Plumbing For Life.