Where to get washers for old taps

[AnthonyL]

1960's build and probably the original basin and bath pillar taps.

The 1/2" basin tap has a flat washer of 13/16" (20mm) dia.

The 3/4" bath tap has a flat washer of 1 3/16" (29mm) dia.

Been to two plumbing merchants, one very much old school, and nothing near.

Both taps were dripping or have to be tightened such that they can't be loosened by normal mortals and I guess that is because they struggle after the house was converted from a hot water tank in the loft to mains pressure on the combi. The cold taps are still from a header tank.

I've temporarily got around the problem by: a) Turning the basin washer around

So as per subject, I can't be the only person in the UK with these old taps, where do I get suitable new washers?

b) Gently filing the bath washer flat

[DerbyBorn]

Have they swollen with over tightening?

[The Natural Philosopher]

Amazon or ebay - the right one will be there somewhere

[tabbypurr]

Just cut down bathtap washers. It's quicker than ordering online.

NT

[Thomas Prufer]

Wot 'e said.

Or, if inclined to buy tools: a "gasket punch"*. A hole punch set, but with a centering pin to allow sunsequent concentric cuts, i.e. outer edge, then inner hole.

Then cut your own...

Thomas Prufer

• in ebay-speak: Hollow Punch Set Hole Punch Tool Leather Plastic Foam gasket Fibre

[AnthonyL]

I'd wondered that but the rubber is quite hard so I can't imagine more than a mm or two at most.

[AnthonyL]

All the ones I've seen have large middle holes, mine is about 1/4".

[AnthonyL]

If I cut down a bathtap washer it won't seal the bath tap.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I got an assortment box from IIRC Screwfix. Should see me out. ;-)

But have you looked in the sheds? They might be more likely to have older spares than a plumber's merchant. Or an old hardware shop, if you can find one.

[The Natural Philosopher]

keep lookimg ther are kits with those in

[Thomas Prufer]

A trick for from old-car-restorers: rubber softens if soaked in fabric softener. I tried this and it worked surprisingly well, though soaking takes days and weeks. The rubber also smells "pleasantly fresh", for a very long time.

So maybe a scentless softener? Or some sort of silicone oil similar to the in the softener, maybe? I think silicones are the active ingredient in this case -- does someone know?

Thomas Prufer

[Dave W]

You'll probably find that the seating that the washer screws down on has grooves caused by years of grit in the water, so you might have to grind them down, in such a way to get rid of the grooves without widening the radial area of contact if possible.

[Rob Morley]

If you find you're replacing tap washers more frequently then it's well worth investing in a re-seating tool - a nice fresh face on the valve seat makes taps work better and last longer between servicing.

[Richard]

Nothing here?