Old bath tap - dripping

[teamhillside]

We have an old roll top cast iron bath which has taps which come through the sides. I believe they are called "globe taps"

is a picture I found).

I'm no plumber (!), but I reckon a dripping tap ought to be within my capabilities. I expect the issue to be a failed washer, so I will need to turn off the water supply, remove the top, replace the washer etc.

Things I need advice on:-

- its the hot water tap, and we have a combi boiler. Do I turn off a) the boiler b) the cold water feed c) both the boiler and the cold water feed? Which combination is best for the boiler, best for me!!

- what size washer is likely to be required in one of these taps? I would like to have the most likely culprit available to hand, so if its going to be something non-standard it would be good to know in advance! I believe most bath taps use 3/4" washers?

- any likely pitfalls I'm going to fall into with this type of tap? I would much rather not have them at all, but SWMBO likes them. I know that they are not an approved type of tap these days (something to do with water from the bath being able to get into the cold water supply?) but I presume someone has some experience of them?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Matt

[The Medway Handyman]

Not familiar with that particular tap, but the above sounds about right.

If you turn off the mains the hot & cold should both stop. The boiler won't fire, but you can turn it off if you want.

So do I :-)

Depending on age replacing the washer may not solve the problem. The tap seat may be scored & need reseating. Thats rare IME.

[teamhillside]

Many thanks for the reassurance!!

Matt

[teamhillside]

Job done! Not a drip in sight.

Matt