Water butt leaking around the tap. New washers? Grumble

Aug 11, 2026 Last reply: 53 minutes ago 4 Replies

My most used water butt is leaking around the tap. It was already leaking slightly when I emptied it to clear a blockage in the tap and remove years of silt from the bottom. I thought I had refitted it tightly but the leak is now far worse.



Replace the washer(s)! I can't find a pack of washers linked to water butts. Just complete taps. They are mainly under £10.



Is it worth searching further for washers, or just get a new tap? Would a new tap be better anyway?



Trivial choices really, but I wonder why there isn't a replacement washer kit?



Cheers


Dave R



On 11 Aug 2026, David wrote

I vote for a new tap.

Probably....

Maybe because the taps are so cheap and ubiquitous, it's not worth producing or stocking the washers by themselves.

(I suspect I've got one or two taps kicking around somewhere in the shed.)

I suspect that I may have a spare washer or two in amongst the acres of "left over but might come in useful some time".

I get the occasional unexpected win, but in this case I think new tap (or taps) called for.

Possibly with a hose snap on connector to make filling easier.

Cheers

Dave R

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Take it off, see what size it needs, see if assorted pack contains the right size. If it does, you might have the right sized washer the next time you need one.

Generously apply silicone grease to the tap thread and both sides of the sealing washer, and ensure the tap is fully tightened.

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