Dripping tap? How to replace the tap washer yourself and save money
The drip, drip of a leaking tap isn't just annoying — it wastes tap water and quietly pushes up your water bill. Most of the time the tap itself isn't broken; it's caused by the rubber washer inside, which has deteriorated, hardened or worn with use. You can easily repair it yourself for a few dozen baht.
Tools to prepare before you start
Before you begin, get these basic tools ready — they're easy to find at any building-supply store:
- New tap washer: take the old washer to match the size, or buy a ready-made tap repair kit
- Adjustable spanner: for undoing the tap body and valve spindle
- Screwdrivers: both flat and Phillips, for removing the cap and screws
- Thread-seal tape: for re-wrapping the joints to stop leaks
4 steps to replace a tap washer yourself right away
Step 1: Turn off the main water valve The most important thing is to always turn off the main water valve to the house, or the valve under the basin, first, so water doesn't spray everywhere while you take things apart.
Step 2: Remove the tap head and valve spindle Gently prise off the cap on the tap head with a flat screwdriver, then undo the screw holding the head and pull it off. Use the adjustable spanner to turn the valve spindle anticlockwise and remove it.
Step 3: Fit the new washer When you remove the spindle you'll see the black washer at the end. Prise off the worn washer with a screwdriver, clean off the limescale inside, and fit the new washer firmly in its place.
Step 4: Reassemble and test Screw the spindle back in and refit the tap head, wrapping thread-seal tape around the joint if needed. Then turn the main valve back on to check whether there are any more leaks.
Precautions and when to call a plumber
Replacing a tap washer is a safe DIY job, but be careful not to over-tighten the spanner, as this can crack brass or plastic threads. Also, if the leak is caused by a cracked pipe embedded in the wall, or it's a complicated mixer tap, we recommend calling a specialist to fix it, to prevent damage to the structure of the house.