How can I tighten this water tap that is leaking?

[romanbastian]

how can I tighten this tap that is leaking? It is connecting onto my washing machine and by spinning it is obviously just turning the tap on/off. It’s really loose. Would some tape around it help?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @romanbastian. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about a leaking tap.

If the leak is coming from inside the tap’s mechanism, it likely means the washer inside has deteriorated and needs replacing. In this case, replacing the entire tap with a new mini-cistern cock might be the simplest long-term solution, especially if the tap is old.

If the leak is at the threaded connections, check which side is affected. If it’s on the connection where the washing machine hose attaches, the rubber washer inside the hose fitting may be missing or worn. Replacing this washer is an easy fix and should restore the seal.

If the leak is on the side that attaches to the wall fitting, thread tape (also called plumber’s tape) is used to seal this point. Adding additional tape might assist with sealing the leak.

Let me know if you can spot the exact leak location, and I can give you further tips. Remember, removing or replacing the tap itself is considered plumbing work that may require a licensed plumber.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell