If a basin is sinking or bath tap started dripping, it is an indication that the washer need to be replaced or there is damage in the seat against which the washer seals ar adjusted. This damage is normally because of the water flowing over it wearing away the metal unevenly.

Repairing a dripping tap is really a very simple job. Anyone can do it if they apply a little common sense. Here we explain you how to replace the washer in a fairly standard tap design

To overcome the problem of dripping taps you can do a number of things like:

• Fit a new tap, which is expensive
• Re-cut the seat for which a tool and a bit of skill are necessary

Apart from the above you can fit a seat insert. For this you need a typical pack – 2 seat inserts, 2 jumpers and 1 insertion tool. Follow these steps.

• Turn off the water to the tap.
• Turn on the tap to drain any water from the system.
• Remove the top section of the tap; discard the old washer and jumper.
• Apply petroleum jelly to the green insertion tool; fit into the top section of the tap. Place the seat over the insertion tool.
• Lightly screw the tap top back in position. Turn the tap handle until it is fully off. It ensures that the Polyacelal seal sits firmly in place.
• Unscrew the top section of the tap again; remove the insertion tool; and place the Polyacelal washer into the upper section of the tap.
• Reassemble the lap so that the washer fits firmly onto the white seat to make the perfect seal that will stop the drips.

There is also another type of replacement tap seat, which is very similar to the above. But it has a flat replacement washer unlike the cone type.

• Follow the following steps to fit the seat insert.
• Turn off the water supply to the tap.
• Turn on the tap to drain any water from the system. Open the tap as far as possible.
• Remove the top section of the tap and discard the old washer and jumper.
• Place the seat in the base of the tap, and fit the replacement jumper into the top of the tap.
• Fit the top of the tap to the tap base and screw down the tap. It will force the new seat into position.