DIY: How to fix a dripping tap

DIY: How to fix a leaky tap - with Philippa Tuttiett. Visit www.lovehome.co.uk for more DIY, decorating and design ideas.

[@SirGuyGrand]

Never attempted this before. Watched your video and sorted tap in less than 15 minutes. Feeling absurdly proud of myself but the credit goes to you. Thanks indeed.

[@janpugh5922]

Thank you so much so easy to understand. Clear, well explained and because I am a 60 year old woman fixing my dripping tap, seeing a woman explaining and completing the task gives me confidence that I can do it also.

[@Nexus7even]

@Klik Day haha

[@kitchenmaintenanceservices2019]

@@Nexus7even kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHibgqZprahskM0

[@anmariegibbs5713]

Good for you! I thought the same and the video was fabulous. I have fixed mine now!!

[@richarddury1]

Philippa Tuttiett is an excellent communicator: she explains clearly yet is informal in manner and speech, is reassuring and has a frank gaze and nice smile (which helps); the video maker is also excellent. The video can be viewed for instruction and also just for the pleasure of seeing someone do a job well and explain it well. She makes you feel that she's talking to you: the ideal teacher.

[@choc_chip]

Agreed! I've got stuck (literally) with this job as the works are too corroded to take the tap apart, but I've already subscribed. Clear, calm and informative without being patronising. I've become fed up with excitable tutorials that try to entertain or push the presenter's expertise. Good tutorials like this don't need to do that.

[@sarkyization]

Thanks so much. Watched a few others but few explained the process so clearly. :) No music, no drama. Subscribed.

[@malacca1951]

So grateful that I found this! And Phillippa explained it perfectly and with lots of little hints and tips to avoid accidents! I think she has just saved me about £65 (the cost last time when I called out a 'plumber'). Unlike the contributor below, I'm not a 60-year-old woman but still found it helpful to have my first plumbing lesson from a female! I'm inspired now to go further and change a tap - at this rate, I'll have a brand new house by 2030! Thanks again! Mart

[@ashpatel7406]

So nicely and calmly explained. This lovely lady has got me out of a pickle several times. 👍

[@doronron7323]

Philippa, if I was 40 years younger......yea! Seriously though, that was as good a video on the subject as one is ever going to find. You made my day, thank you.

[@doronron7323]

Just got all hot and bothered changing a bathroom tap washer. Old one crumbled to nothing. My spares must be 30 years old, possibly a lot older, and gone hard. Stop cock hasn't been moved forever and was a challenge. Still, managed the job successfully. The 5 minute job took 1.5 hrs!

[@doronron7323]

Oh, don't forget to tell people older plumbing fixtures of any kind can be a nightmare, not like faffing with modern stuff, like your tap.

[@StMaryMagdaleneClitheroe]

Thank you - straightforward explanation with no waffle. If only all DIY videos were as respectful of viewers time and patience.

[@christopherbull4001]

Thank you! I changed my bathroom tap washer. Your instructions were very explicit and clear. It saved me a plumber's call out charge.

[@traceybroadfield937]

I've had a dripping tap for a while asking the kids dad to fix it is taking him for ever, this video as helped me alot thankyou very much I shall do it myself tomorrow

[@bwandesky]

How did it go?

[@andreasm7348]

Yea.. 🤔

[@marlenerichardson4429]

Brilliant video ! How wonderful to see a young lady performing these tasks. I am an older lady and found this so easy to understand. Thankyou x

[@reerbaadia1896]

I've been living with a leaky tap for 6 months. No more after this fool proof tutorial. Thank you.

[@laurenthurston6284]

i have been living with one for two years...

[@5MinuteFix]

This fix really takes less than five minutes! I like your detailed explanation. Just worth noting: Sometimes, rubber washers can be reversed to quickly (temporarily) fix a leak. The other side is usually OK and if the whole thing is still tough and sturdy, there's no need for an immediate trip to the hardware store. Just replace it when you've got a new one ready.

[@grootjnr]

Top tip thanks

[@adamdenman3776]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ptyb6195]

This video reassured me that changing a tap washer can be easy. I’m always a bit unsure when doing any job that includes the possibility of water leakage but this job went well. Thanks so much and I will undoubtedly be checking out more of your excellent videos.

[@robertcotterill471]

Brilliant! Thank you so much for this easy to understand tutorial. Saved me having to get a plumber in! You’re a star!

[@helengooderham2441]

You'll probably not read this, but thank you so much for this video. I've just managed to change my first tap washer because of your tutorial!

[@darylmendosa676]

Beauty with brains. That’s what I am missing a GF with DIY skills 👍🏼👍🏼. Well done !

[@nobodybakesitbetter]

Great video, We've had a leaky tap for months and thanks to you it's now drip free. Cheers love ☓

[@premaratnehettiarachchi1067]

Thanking you very much. Now I realised how we the tenants and the Housing Department are being ripped off by these so called plumbing companies.. This is a good eye opener. Thank you once again.

[@Peter-yx5cm]

What a wonderful revelation. So used to seeing your lovely features on Scrum VI. Excellent video Philippa, thank you so much - cured my problem. Bonne chance!

[@stevehoward3763]

Thank you - I was a bit nervous about doing it - now I'm going to do it tomorrow - the water is isolated and ready to go in the morning - even bought 2 washers today - great video - great explanation - thanks :)

[@krispynachos9980]

Its always great to see a good looking lass doing manual work

[@keefeast2]

Thank you. This video helped a lot as I’ve not got much experience with this sort of thing. Very clearly explained. Saved us money.

[@Dave_Cymru]

Superb explanation & a clear and precise demonstration of the really fiddly bits! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@theo847sqn]

Your video helped me confirm what i was thinking and the plug in the sink was something i never thought of Thanks It saved me 170 dollars fixing the leaky sink were we live (An ex pat brit living in Australia)

[@sandrawinter4539]

Excellent presentation, and very clear. Thanks.

[@wnamal]

Thank you Philippa for your demonstration, it was easy to understand and follow.

[@janiceward2169]

Im so happy to find this and will.be off to B&Q in the a.m for an adjustable wrench...Do you realise how great it feels to see a female doing this.. Thankyou.👍👍

[@World_Media]

Your demonstration is absolutely on spot 👌

[@KS-mk8gf]

We need more female DIY's. Great explanation. Made it simple. Thanks.

[@mnm645]

No we dont! We need the freedom for people to do DIY, which is already what we have.

[@MrMusicMuppet]

​@@mnm645 well your not getting laid 😅😅😅😅

[@edeworchristabel7495]

Thank you so much for this. Just watched this video now and was able to turn off my kitchen tap.

[@kaderbouhizeb5403]

This lady is fantastic, well clear in her instructions. Brilliant 👌👌

[@christineamclearly-halton1581]

Thank you ; You were so thoroughly explaining it so well . Appreciate you’re insight .

[@pennyredproductions]

This is a brilliant tutorial, thank you for sharing. Unfortunately when we tried to fix our leaking tap the screw under the cap broke off & I had to replace the taps anyway, but watching this gave me the confidence to tackle this job which I had put off for ages

[@harvestblades]

you likely could have purchased the machine screw that was needed from a hardware store. Once you remove the broken screw you can take that into the store & find the appropriate size, & even if they don't have one the correct length find the correct diameter & thread count & it simply cut a screw down to the proper length especially for a thinner diameter screw like you would find on a faucet. This will not only save you a good chunk of change, but will also save you time.

[@marilynharrison8440]

Thank you so much... you saved me from high bills❤

[@jonathangray635]

Thanks for the advice, changed my kitchen taps today, hopefully no problem

[@lionsheart8]

Thanks for the tutorial much appreciated I wasn't able to get to the washer as the tap design is different to the ones in your video, but at least I know what the problem is I just need to know how to unscrew my tap to get to the washer part.

[@tonywarren7940]

Really clear demonstration in a very nice style. If you ever redo this video you could mention that to switch off the water from an in-line valve underneath, the screw slot needs to be pointing across the pipe and that cleaning up inside the tap cavity and around the assembly with wire wool is probably worth doing.

[@madnessinmotion]

Thanks so much for the clear explanation. Great step by step guide so I'm going to put this into practice today. What could possibly go wrong?😅

[@robsyaboy]

I had this issue with a brand new tap. In my case the rubber washer in question just wasn’t quite sat in place properly. So glad I didn’t bother sending it back to the place I bought it!!! Great presentation - really clear and concise 👍🏼

[@MaryCampbell-iv1zw]

Brilliantly explained everything in simple real instruction thank you ❤

[@jacacc12]

Excellent and easy to follow video, fool proof and gave me the confidence to fix my leaky tap without getting an expensive plumber out, so thank you for your great video 8-).

[@timreespt77]

This is a great video, thanks. One question, what about mixer taps, there's no clear way of unscrewing the top? Thanks

[@thecure4470]

Followed every step, tap has stopped dripping, thank you from a guy who thought he knew it all. 👍

[@sherylcanossi1928]

You made it look so easy how would you know if it's the cold or the hot water if the Sprout was in the middle

[@rowantheauthor959]

Thank you very much for this clear and helpful explanation

[@gooman989898]

Thanks for uploading I'm a 78 year old woman and I felt empowered by you! I also love your hand towels where did you get them marks Spencer? I don't have a leaky tap my grandson just showed me how to you Yourtube

[@LukeBerry1]

Thanks! Really useful. Much more than the equivalent B+Q video for example. It really helps, when you're doing something for the first time, to have someone explain how it feels to do something: how tight something should be, for example. Great content. 👍

[@lynnehill1301]

Wow, she made it look so easy. What a delightful girl.

[@njd2342]

Jolly good. I use clockwise to screw on and anticlockwise to screw off a nut rather than left and right.

[@chetbal]

Thank you! A question, how do you loosen this stuck piece (2:23). I tried so hard but it won't loosen, and it's quite round, I can't use spanner.

[@homeward34]

Watched this just now and fixed my first dripping tap at 43 yrs old. Jesus im a cabbage but thanks a million

[@growyourwellbeing]

Explained perfectly, really easy to follow too. Thanks for sharing. My house needs quite a bit of upkeep, subscribed for more tips 😄👨‍🔧

[@terrycoles461]

Hi, Excellent video, thank you!! Please continue to share future DIY tips.

[@meriembouhbou6992]

Thank you so much for this informative video ❤️😊🇲🇦

[@harvestblades]

This is the first time I have ever heard a Phillips screwdriver referred to as a "Posi". Those old-school faucets using just a rubber washer sure are simplistic as on most modern faucets especially here in the US there will be a small spring, & a rubber seat. It is often the rubber seat that has deteriorated & will need replacement, but these are generally found in a pack including both spring & set for a few dollars. Especially if you live in an area with hard water cleaning the valve as well as the inside of the faucet with some vinegar & a light scouring pad will remove any mineral buildup which can contribute to the faucet leaking as it can prevent a good seal.

[@Downloader77]

Thanks to philippa, I got the correct size washer! Although I do now have a suspicious leak under the sink from the tap!

[@amandawilliams7133]

Thanks so much 👍this was really helpful! New subscriber!

[@craiglawrence3890]

Well explained and in principle it's fine. The reality is that the valves after years are very tight to the point that the tap turns and you need a removal tool.

[@noonoomoo7978]

Great video, thank you. Quick question.... Is it safe to turn the water off from the isolation valve, if there are wires attached to earth it? Or do I need to take any other precautions first?

[@chris53small]

That's called ground/earth bonding, and it's done to make sure that if the copper pipe work comes into contact with a live wire due to a fault that it trips a breaker and doesn't electrify all the pipework in the house which would be extremely dangerous.

[@Nick-ky3vl]

That should be OK, as long as you leave those wires attached to whatever they are fixed onto.

[@noonoomoo7978]

@@chris53small ah, thank you!

[@noonoomoo7978]

@@Nick-ky3vl Thank you

[@joannapocock6055]

After watching this I went out and fixed our dripping tap I did everything myself but hubby had to use his muscle to get that last bit of the tap apart. Saved about £50 not having to get a plumber out !!

[@Ehssan7825]

Thank you so much, saved me £60 ❤️

[@Kaylem13]

sorted, thanks. But my tap has a tiny screw on top which only removes the tap grip and is not the same, its a bath tap?

[@morningskysky7884]

Clear and straight forward presentation.

[@bennlowery8608]

Is this the same process for a double bathroom tap?

[@nickycrampton5263]

Fabulous! Thank you so much! I'm actually gonna give this a go myself before calling plumber!!

[@leed5768]

I’m a bit late to the party here but I’ve got a leaking tap which is only 5 months old (the hot tap on a mixer bath tap). Do you think it could still be the washer or something else?

[@ANILVERMA-ot2zt]

Thanks for this useful information 👍

[@DavidNursal2012]

What if the tap is not dripping but flowing (and can only be stopped by using the stopcock?) Is this likely to be the same problem/same solution?

[@rishanstrikes13]

Thanks to this video I had the courage to fix my leaky tap. Cheers!

[@mhefley3498]

I vaguely knew how to change the washer from years ago but watched your vid and decided to attempt it but now my isolator valve has leaked when turning it back on and the tap has less pressure, so worse state than before, so be warned there can be complications. As with anything. Thanks for the vids though. Great tips on the new sealant around the bath too. Thanks

[@Tomanart]

Great video and well explained, thanks for sharing

[@30Mike]

Well explained and the small details are sometimes the ones where other's leave out. :)

[@davidhughes8030]

If it's the down stairs hot water tap and the boiler is upstairs what happens to the water in the pipe between the dismantled tap and the boiler ,does it all run off, if so what happens to the boiler.

[@mikejames663]

Hi seemed to me you put the isolation valve into flow (slot in line with valve) and then to turn it back on, you turned the valve to shut (at 90 degrees to the valve)???

[@chris53small]

well spotted, i watched again and you are correct

[@OMEGANiru]

Water tap won't turn off moving continuously. Any solution?

[@geof1954]

Great video. Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@nromy2006]

I will follow the steps in order to fix my leaky hot-tap in my bathroom. Thank You....

[@jamia909]

I have the exact same screwdriver. Bought it from Toolstation

[@heatherc4748]

Very helpful. One tip. I replaced the washers and reassembled the taps but after turning the water back on got no flow. Noticed that the aerator that screws on to the end of the water spout had clogged with pieces of debris. Cleaned those out and then OK.

[@rainpop3036]

Great video that was helpful. Smashing looking lady too. Cool trendy with lovely hair. 🥰

[@leahdempsey9002]

What if it’s really stubbornly tight which the usually are

[@1stdrive]

I went through all this only to find my taps have cartridges! Thanks anyway, still helped me get that far.

[@mrtang3136]

I've looked everywhere online but can't find anywhere to buy elbow grease.

[@samraarshad1434]

Elbow grease is not a thing. It is just an expression which means hard physical work

[@mrtang3136]

@@samraarshad1434 the guy down at B&Q went to look for some in the stores round the back, he come back said they out of stock so try next week.

[@notanumber1311]

@@mrtang3136 sounds like you picked up a long weight while you were there. Lol

[@Nick-ky3vl]

What a brilliant trick to hold the tap steady with an adjustable spanner - just put the far end behind the other tap.

[@ahmedjawad1847]

You are a very good technique which one I see God bless you

[@mohammedshaikulislam3834]

Excellent job!

[@stevop730]

Many thanks.my tap was not flowing water but a replacement washer has sorted it

[@ABDToolsUK]

Good video, but if you find the headnut is stuck fast, look out for the easy tapslitter, makes it so much easier.

[@cw2611]

Thank you. Very succinct and very helpful. Craig

[@theunholinesswithin70]

Ok, my sink leaks from the bottom, and only when I'm using it; Is there a video for that?

[@kavyaandsuraj8917]

I'm Ur new subscriber....😘 nice video

[@davidlevy7068]

How about doing a video for the older taps like mine. Which is stuck and a small adjustable spanner the same size as in this video don't work.

[@jamesgrey1227]

Hi, Philippa. I've undone the screw, but the head doesn't come off, so I can't get to the headgear nut. Any ideas?

[@mickyp9517]

Lovely presentation!

[@mattw4405]

Cheers,well explained as always, diolch 👍

[@threeamigos842]

How do you determine replacement washer size accurately...

[@robertkerry5531]

I think you turned the water on at the beginning and off at the end?

[@anthony342]

she did

[@MARYANNE269]

Excellent! I will be doing this today!! Thank you.

[@patriotisful]

Thank you so much easy instructions provided!