Curing a dripping hot water tap is basically the same as a cold water tap. See how to fix a cold dripping tap.

The main difference is the isolating procedure. On most old systems (Pre pressurised Central Heating and HW systems), the hot water draw off side of the plumbing is generally tank fed (from a larger cold water storage tank normally in the loft) down to the bottom of the hot water cylinder and normally at low pressure. The feed to the hot water taps is normally via an isolation valve in the airing cupboard, usually a 3/4" or 22mm gatevalve or stoptap before or after the hot water cylinder in order to stop the flow to any hot water taps. Shutting off the appropriate valve should isolate all the hot water taps on the system. i.e. The bath hot water tap, bathroom basin hot water tap, and any other hot water taps on the system. When this valve is shut down all hot water taps should stop flowing and the washer can be changed as before.

On fully sealed and pressurised systems, always turn off the Central Heating system by the electric isolation switch. Both hot and cold water taps can normally be serviced just by turning off the incoming cold water mains supply and checking that neither hot or cold water taps are flowing when turned on.

Taps that are not discharging water can be serviced and when done just reset the central heating electrics, and turn the mains water back on.

Quite simple jobs, just follow the basic principles and cure dripping taps with ease.

Author: A Shea

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