How do you tighten a loose tap?

A loose tap might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can quickly escalate into a bigger problem. A tap that wobbles or becomes loose over time can cause water leaks, damage to your sink, or result in wasted water. Fortunately, this is a problem that can usually be fixed with a few simple tools and a bit of patience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for tightening a loose tap and ensuring it’s securely fastened to the sink.

Understanding why your tap has become loose is the first step in addressing the problem. Here are the most common reasons why a tap might become loose:

• Loose nut: Over time, the nut securing the tap to the sink can loosen, causing the tap to become wobbly.

• Worn or broken washers: If the rubber or plastic washers under the tap become worn out, they may not be able to keep the tap secure.

• Loose bolts: Some taps use bolts to secure them in place, and these bolts can become loose with repeated use.

Follow these simple steps to tighten your loose tap:

1. Turn off the water supply - Before beginning any repair work, always ensure that the water supply is turned off. You can do this by turning off the valves under the sink or at the main water supply. After shutting off the water, turn the tap on to ensure no water is running.

2. Inspect the tap - Carefully examine the loose tap and determine what part is causing the issue. Usually, the problem will be a loose mounting nut under the sink, but it’s also a good idea to check for damaged washers or bolts. If your tap is a monobloc (single lever), the problem might lie in the long threaded stud or bolt under the sink that has become loose. If you have a traditional two handle tap, the problem could be loose washers or the valve assembly.

3. Tighten the nut or bolt - Once you’ve identified the loose part, use the appropriate tool to tighten it. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut that secures the tap. This can be a bit tricky, so make sure to position yourself properly for a good grip.

4. Check the washers - If the tap is still loose after tightening the nut, it might be due to worn or broken washers. These washers are found beneath the faucet, where the tap meets the sink. Over time, they can deteriorate, leading to leaks and instability.

5. Remove and inspect washers: If the washers are cracked or deteriorated, replace them with new ones. You can find these washers at most hardware stores.

6. Reassemble the tap: Once the washers are replaced, reassemble the tap by following the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure everything is tightly secured.

7. Test - Once you’ve tightened the nut and replaced any damaged washers, turn the water supply back on. Slowly check for leaks around the tap and ensure it is securely in place. Test the tap by gently moving it to confirm there is no wobble or movement.

To prevent future issues with loose taps, periodically inspect the tap to ensure it's tight and the washers aren’t worn out. Clean the washers and surrounding areas to remove limescale or debris that can cause looseness. A quick check and tightening once or twice a year can help maintain its stability.

While tightening a loose tap is usually a simple fix, consider calling a local plumber if the mounting nut or components are severely damaged, if the plumbing is hard to access, or if leaks persist despite tightening.