Curing a Leaking Gland

When the spindle tap is opened or closed, the spindle passes through a gland (also called a 'stuffing box') which is on top of the headgear. To stop water leaking past the spindle when the tap is turned on, a nut forces watertight packing into the gland. If the spindle leaks, the packing has failed. In modern taps, however, the packing has been replaced with a rubber '0' ring seal.

To replace the gland packing, turn the tap off fully; you don't need to shut off the supply. Remove the cross or capstan head: there may be a tiny screw at the side or it could be hidden under the decorative plug marked 'hot' or 'cold'. Lift off the head by rocking it gently from side to side. If it's very stiff, wrap a cloth around it and tap it from underneath with a hammer. Seal the leak by tightening the gland nut.

In most cases this won't stop the leak on its own: it's better to replace the packing. Use impregnated twine (available from plumbers' merchants) or twist a thread made from PTFE tape. Wind the new packing around the spindle and push it well into the gland with the point of a small screwdriver. Replace the cross or capstan head and secure it with the retaining screw at the side (or on top) and refit the decorative plug.