How to Fix a Leaky Tap (And One Seriously Cleaned Kitchen Sink)

You don't need to hire a plumber to fix a leaky tap. These are the steps to fix leaks on four of the most common tap types.

Identify the type of tapware that you have. The most accessible type of tapware to identify is the compression tap. It has two handles: one for hot and one for cold. All three other types of taps have single central, swiveling arms that can be turned from hot to cold depending on your preference. The internal mechanisms at their base are different for each type of tap: A ball tap has a ball bearing; a cartridge tap has a cartridge (cartridge materials can vary, but the handle usually has a cap), and a ceramic disk tap has a ceramic circle. It is possible that you will need to disassemble your tap before determining which one it is.

1. Turn off the water supply to your tap. Locate the pipes running up to the tap under your sink. There will be handles along those pipes that you can use to turn off the water supply to your sink. To turn off the water, twist clockwise (remember: lefty is loosey and righty is tighty).

2. Plug the drain. If you have one, a plug or a rag can be used to plug the drain. There is nothing that will ruin your day quicker than a washer or a screw going down the drain.

Compression Tap

1. Each handle should be removed. If necessary, pry off the cap (often indicating "Hot" and "Cold"), then unscrew the handle.

2. To remove the nut, use a wrench. The stem is located underneath the O-ring. This sits on top of a rubber seat washer.

3. Take out the stem. The O-ring (thinner) and the seat washer (thicker) will be exposed.

4. The seat washer should be removed. The seat washer will be secured with an upside-down brass bolt.

5. Replace the seat washer. These washers come in different sizes, so you may need to take the old one to a parts shop to get a replacement. Before installing the replacement, coat it with the plumber's grease.

6. Each handle should be reassembled. Now, fix any minor leaks.

Ball Tap

1. Purchase a replacement kit. There are many parts to replace on ball taps. Some require special tools. This is not the same as replacing the whole tap.

2. Remove the handle by unscrewing it.

3. To remove the cap or collar, use pliers

4. Turn off the tap cam. Use the tool in your replacement kit.

5. Take out the washer, tap cam, and ball.

6. You will need to remove the inlet seals springs. You will need to reach inside the mechanism with pliers.

7. Replace the O rings. Before installing, remove the old O-rings and apply the plumber's grease to the new ones.

8. Install new springs and valve seats. These parts will be included with your kit.

9. Now, reassemble the handle. Now, fix the leak.

Cartridge Tap

1. Take off the handle. If necessary, pry off the cap and unscrew the handle.

2. If necessary, remove the retaining clip. This is a round, threaded piece made of plastic that holds the cartridge in place. It can be removed with pliers.

3. Make sure the cartridge is straight up by pulling it upwards. The cartridge will sit when the water blasts at full blast.

4. Take out the tap spout.

5. Replace the O rings. Before installing, remove the old O-rings and apply the plumber's grease to the new ones.

6. Now, reassemble the handle. Now, fix the leak.

Ceramic Disk Tap

1. Remove the handle by unscrewing it.

2. The escutcheon cap should be removed. It is located directly below the handle and is often made of metal.

3. Remove the disk cylinder by unscrewing it. This will reveal several neoprene seals at the underside.

4. Clean the cylinders by removing the seals. This is especially important if you have hard water.

5. If necessary, replace the seals. You can replace them if worn, damaged, frayed, thin, or look worn.

6. The handle can be reassembled, and the water is turned on slowly. Too much pressure can cause the ceramic disk to crack.