How to rewasher a dripping pillar tap

A pillar tap (the traditional upright tap operated by turning a cross-head or capstan handle) drips when the rubber washer on the base of the headgear wears out. This is one of the most satisfying DIY plumbing jobs — a £1 washer fixes a constant drip.

Turn off the water supply at the isolation valve under the basin (or at the main stopcock). Open the tap to release residual pressure and confirm supply is off.

Remove the tap handle: prise off the central cap (hot or cold indicator disc) with a small screwdriver — underneath is a retaining screw. Remove the screw and pull off the handle. The shroud (the decorative chrome cover) should unscrew anti-clockwise.

Using an adjustable spanner, unscrew the headgear (the large nut at the top of the tap body) anti-clockwise. Lift out the headgear — at the bottom you will see a jumper (a small brass post) with a rubber washer held by a nut or press-fitted.

Remove the old washer — if it is held by a small brass nut, undo it with a screwdriver or small spanner. Fit the new washer (from a rewashering kit — make sure the size matches, typically 1/2" or 3/4"). If the jumper itself is worn or corroded, replace the whole jumper-and-washer unit.

Reassemble in reverse order: tighten the headgear firmly but not excessively (over-tightening can crack older tap bodies). Turn supply back on, test for drips. If it still drips, the tap seat may be scored — a tap reseating tool (£12–£20) can grind the seat smooth.