Leaking tap on oil tank - how to fix?

Auscast

Hiya, we have just moved into a rental and the tap on the fuel tank out the back is leaking a small amount. The thing is, it's leaking from the area where the tap handle meets the main part of the tap (between the packing nut and the screw? - I googled that). So I assume when I screw the tap closed completely the leak will stop, as soon as the tap is opened any amount, the leak appears. It's not leaking a huge amount, but enough to add up over the coming months.
Would something as simple as some grease around the area stop the leak? It's one of those problems that's too small for a plumber....
Cheers for your thoughts.

Billy Bunting

It's also the type of leak that if you play with it could get substantially worse or even the head of the valve come clean off, believe me if that happens it will cost tens of thousands to clear up.

You do need an Engineer.

bbam

Call the landlord...
Don't start messing with it yourself..
Let them get a competant person out to repair...

God forbid there is a large spill and its a disaster, really expensive to clean up..

stoneill

bbam wrote: »

Call the landlord...
Don't start messing with it yourself..
Let them get a competant person out to repair...

God forbid there is a large spill and its a disaster, really expensive to clean up..

Yep - call the landlord.
You could be financially responsible for a environmental clean up if it all goes pear shaped.

Auscast

Very good then. A call to the landlord it is. Thanks.