D.I.Y. Plumbing Tips

Please Note: A resident can change his or her own tap washers lawfully. Be sure that you know what you are doing for the following reason. If water leakage results in an insurance claim, it is possible that the claim may be rejected if the work is not carried out by a licensed person. So under no circumstances should you do this type of work for a friend. If a flood or resultant water damage occurs, you are not insured.

All plumbing work should be carried out by a licensed person. The tips in this section are user maintenance tips only. We accept no responsibility for resultant damage or injury sustained by an individual attempting to perform any tasks mentioned in this section. If in doubt, please contract a professional. Please use our directory for a suitable licensed plumber (Always check that the plumber is licensed and insured

Repairing Inlet Valve

• Turn off toilet cistern tap

• Flush toilet cistern to ensure water supply is off.

• Unscrew cistern button and remove lid.

• Some inlet valves have a body nut on top, some inlet bodies have screws on the top of them remove screws (There are many makes and models all slightly different)

• Remove inlet seal and take to local plumbing supply or hardware store to ensure you have the correct product.

• Replace inlet seal.

• Reassemble inlet valve.

• Turn on toilet cistern tap.

• Check for leaks.

NB: For further expert advice consult our directory for your local plumber.

Repairing Outlet Valve

• Turn off toilet cistern tap.

• Flush toilet cistern to ensure water supply is off.

• Unscrew cistern button and remove lid

• Some outlet valves have two screws at the bottom of the valve body inside the toilet cistern they may need to be loosened before removal and others have lugs on the side that the valve may need to be turned slightly for removal (There are many makes and models all slightly different)

• Remove seating seal and take to local plumbing supply or hardware store to ensure you have the correct product.

• Replace seating seal

• Reassemble outlet valve.

• Turn on toilet cistern tap

• Check for leaks

NB: For further expert advice consult our directory for your local plumber.

Repairing Blocked Sinks

• Half fill sink with water

• Cover the over flow (if there is one) with a rag.

• Place the “Mr Tap” Plunger over the drain Pull back and forth several times to release blockage.

• Reapply steps a number of times.

NB: For further expert advice consult our directory for your local plumber.

Repairing a Tap

• Turn water meter off

• Turn tap on to ensure water supply is off.

• Unscrew tap button or grub screw

• Remove tap handle

• Remove cover plate/Dome

• Use a spanner or wrench to unscrew tap bonnet.

• Replace body washer, o-ring and jumper valve (Lubricate o-ring)

• Reassemble tap bonnet.

• Reassemble cover Plate/Dome and tap handle

• Turn off tap

• Turn water meter on.

• Check for leaks

NB: For further expert advice consult our directory for your local plumber.

Reseating a Tap:
If your tap continues to leak after replacing the washers it will need to be re-seated. Reseating resurfaces your tap, so that the washer has the tightest seal. The simplest way to do this is to purchase a reseating tool from your nearest hardware or plumbing supply.