Is this a tap washer problem?

[Dixie68]

I have a bog standard setup in the kitchen sink - one hot tap, one cold, not a mixer. The hot tap is dripping so I would normally replace the washer, BUT it also does something else that makes me wonder if a washer replacement will fix it at all.
When you go to trun off the tap it reaches a point where it's almost off and then sort of clicks and is full on again - you can turn the tap in the off direction until the cows come home with the same result; it's almsot off, click, full on.
I can get it to the point where it's almost off and if I push down on the tap it stays off, but as soon as I release the downwards pressure it starts dripping again.

So, is it a washer or something else? I've posted this on a DIY forum too but answers normally come quicker here

[jas xjr]

better off just replacing the taps

[Dixie68]

jas xjr said:

better off just replacing the taps

Not an option unfortunately, it's a rental and while I'm happy to do running repairs I'm not paying to replace taps. The letting agent tells me their repairman can't make it due to snow, but funnily enough I pass his house on the way to B&Q! My offer of going to pick him up wasn't taken up.

[mr.man]

Sounds to me it's a landlord problem. The tap may be worn out by lots of use and the stem inside is jumping a thread. Like when you've stripped a thread and something just won't tighten.

[Festive Ferg]

It sounds like the washer s so worn that the internal helix is clearing the thread at it's furthest point. If it's not worn it over the time it's been 'clicking' a new washer should sort it out.

[Dixie68]

Ok thanks, I'll try a new washer and see what happens.

[Ricky_M]

If the washer doesn't work, you can buy the internal workings seperately and fit them without replacing the tap.