Tips and how to
How to change a tap washer
The water meter is usually located near the property boundry, turn the stop tap in a clockwise direction and firmly close. Then turn the closest tap to the ground level fully on, this will release the pressure and allow water to escape
Remove the tap handles first. There are many configurations and some may require special tools such as allen keys. If you are in any doubt refer to the manufacturer for detailed instructions. Most tap handles can be removed in an easy manner as many have spring loaded flanges. However with some of the older screwed tapware flanges they may be far more diffilcult. Always use extreme care when removing these types of tap ware componets, especially when they are fitted in viterous china fixtures such as basins. It is necessary to brace the tap under the fixture for the excessive torgue required in removing the componets.
Once the bonnet and spindle are removed, the spindle should be removed from the bonnet. If it is jammed do not apply force. This will usually break the spindle, it is better to apply heat with a naked flame. Of course the “O” ring will burn, however you have to replace it in any event. Exercise care removing the spindle from the bonnet while hot and allow to cool by itself. Now clean the spindle and the internals of the bonnet with the DoustCleanTM tap cleaner. If a particular tap has a hard/ easy turn on and off feel, then this is usually the result of a bent spindle. Roll the spindle along a flat surface, if it is not true replace it. After cleaning fit new “O” rings with a liberal amount of DoustGreaseTM. Re-assemble leaving the tap in the fully “turned on” position. Give the tap seat a gentle re-surface with the tap-reseater as supplied in the DoustKitTM. You should see a light continuous shine in a complete circle. View the tap body from directly above.
If this new shiny circle is complete and in the centre, (use a flashlight if difficult to see) then fit your new DoustValveTM complete with the bonnet and spindle. New body washers are supplied in the DoustGreaseTM pack and they should also be fitted. The water entry inlet
should be in the centre (not as shown in diagram 1 top left). Check that the tap faces are clean. Take care to ensure the DoustValveTM does not fall out of its spindle position when inserted in the tap body. Fit first the handles without the flanges to test operation.
Now that you have checked and serviced your tapware and made the necessary repairs using the Doust Plumbing Products range, you should be ready to turn the water back on. Turn the isolating stopcock fully on and then back half a turn. This prevents the valve from jamming as it is rarely used. All taps should be in the fully open position with all aerators removed. Sinks and all plumbing fixtures should be free from articles for the unhindered flow of water to the drain. Care should be exercised to reduce the chances of a fixture flooding. The taps are left “on” for several reasons. One is it allows all filings to be washed through the line, another is you cannot damage the spindle when you tighten up the tap in the on position. Start by turning the basins off first as they are the most likely to flood. Finish with the bath or wash trough. In doing this you have also purged the water service of air. This means the homeowner will not run the risk of scalding or excessive splashing due to compressed air being trapped in the line.