How to fix a leaking tap before calling a plumber

A tap that drips once a second wastes around 30 litres a day. In most Indian homes the cause is a worn rubber washer or a cracked spindle seal — both cheap, both replaceable without a plumber. Set aside fifteen minutes and a bucket.

You will need

• An adjustable spanner or a 17 mm spanner
• A flat screwdriver
• A new washer (take the old one to the hardware shop to match the size)
• A little plumber's tape (PTFE) and a cloth

The fix

• Close the stop valve under the basin or the main inlet; open the tap to drain it.
• Prise off the decorative cap, undo the screw and lift the handle.
• Unscrew the headgear with the spanner, wrapping the chrome in cloth so it does not scratch.
• Replace the washer at the bottom of the spindle; wrap the threads with two turns of tape.
• Reassemble, open the valve slowly, and check for drips at the spout and the base.

When to stop and call a plumber

If the headgear will not turn without force, or if water is seeping from the wall behind the tap, stop — a snapped spindle or a hidden pipe leak needs tools you do not have. Post the job with a photo on Hi-Partner and a nearby plumber can usually come the same day.