I need to fix a leaking tap, advice?

[callmedave]

Im not handing my man-card in just yet and wish to undertake the job myself, but ive no experience of plumbing. Mechanics is second nature to me though.

The mixer tap in the kitchen is dripping from the cold feed side, you need to turn it off really tight to get it to stop, the kids cant turn it that tight, so il need to fix it.

Is this straight forward? Should i get any special parts/tools before i start?

Any advice or even a visual guide will be helpful!

[soad]

Don't flood your kitchen! Turn off your water supply first.

There are tutorials on youtube.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/2...

[LordHaveMurci]

If it's a Franke kitchen tap it could be harder than you think

[fergus]

I had a similar problem, and no amount of new washers fixed the problem. Resorted to a seat cutter from Screwfix, which ground a new flat seat for the washer to seal against. No more leaks.

Isolate your supply first though....

[guindilias]

If you don't have a new washer to hand, try turning the old one over so the tap seat sees the "other" side of the washer.
Tighten the tap as much as you possibly can, it should stop leaking, leave it a day or two still super-tight, then see if it's worked to "reform" the new side of the washer to the seat.
Saved me a few times on vintage taps when I couldn't get a washer!

[callmedave]

Thanks guys, Will report back with how i get on!

[guindilias]

By the way I just did the above to one of my bath taps this morning - didn't even need supertightening, it sealed straight away and saved me the hassle of finding a new washer to fit.
It's been dripping for about 8 years, I should really sort these things out sooner, particularly when I actually know how to!

[callmedave]

My Bathroom tap needs an extra turn to stop running, so il sort that out aswell.