Water butt leaking around the tap. New washers? Grumble

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

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.

When I 'installed' three water barrels for SWMBO, I discovered that these tall slender barrels were much taller than my arm is long, and trying to screw on the tap back nut was an 'interesting' problem.

I can't recall how I ever managed then, but if they ever start to leak I will not be fixing it by an extra turn on that back nut.

Also to note that packs of those washers turn up at Aldidl regularly, eg:

Maybe the wrong size, but perhaps worth keeping in stock for next time you need such a washer? Especially if the application isn't super fussy about the dimensions (eg for a water butt the ID might matter but not the OD or thickness)

Theo

I made a "grunnit" (old plumbers name) out of thick (gas) ptfe tape to fix mine.

I was going to mention this problem, too.

I've got big butts, and a couple of thinner ones ... I, also, can't remember how I screwed the nut on the tap in the thinner ones [1], but I remember crawling inside the big ones to do it (having laid them on their side, on the lawn).

ONE of the bigger ones has a threaded orifice for the tap - that one is easy (probably made in Germany!).

PS Yes David: I vote for the tap solution.

AJ

Ended up getting a more robust tap kit with a brass part which screwed through from the outside with a washer, and a brass nut with a washer that screwed through from the inside.

Hole now sealed both sides and no leaks so far.

Cheers

Dave R