When does a dripping tap need changing as opposed to just changing washer?

[whataboutbob]

This is in a rental flat so unfortunately I am not on site- it’s a whole day round trip to sort out issues. The tenants have reported a dripping tap and the agents’ plumber has reported the whole tap needs changing and has quoted £120 plus VAT. So about £150.
I’m just wondering what would necessitate changing a whole tap? I’m thinking of taking Saturday off to go there and try and fix it myself. I did a one day plumbing course a couple of years ago and I’m going to dig out the course notes. Any advice welcome.

when it is so old and worn out that a new washer will no longer seal it and prevent it dripping.

This might take between 20 and 60 years.

They wear out faster if they have been left with worn washers, and the householders try to tighten them down with great force, in a futile attempt to stop the drip. A householder who has got into this habit will often continue doing it when a new washer, or even a new tap, is fitted, thus wearing out the washer and the tap sooner than necessary.

In my own houses I have never worn out a tap or a washer. All the taps can be operated with a fingertip.

If you have to fit new taps, I recommend Bristan. Unlike flashy imports The spares are easy to get and I find the taps durable.

If you want a laugh, go to the Grohe tap site and look up he price of a replacement part, then go to the Bristan tap site.

The ones with washers are cheaper and easier to maintain than the ones with ceramic cartridges, and I think more durable.

Thanks piglet. I will look for Bristan. Here’s a pic of the taps currently there, in case this is any help.
Should I change the washer and then see if it’s still dripping move on to change the tap.

That's a half-inch high-neck pillar tap.

It's a more arduous job to change the tap because it involves lying on your back under the sink. Change them both, if you need to. If you can see how to get the sink out, do that because it is much easier to change taps on a sink by turning it upside down and then refitting it afterwards.

Thank you piglet. Is it easier/ necessary to replace like for like ie should I put in new half inch high neck pillar taps?

I would

the high neck variety means you can easilt fill a kettle or a bucket under them.

basin taps, you can't.

They need not be very expensive.

here

Thank you piglet John. I’m (somewhat regretfully)going to get the estate agents’ tradesmen to do the job as I have to consider the tenants and have never changed taps before. I’m going t o remember Bristan though and when it comes to taps in my own home I’ll attempt to do the job myself.