How to Fix Leaking Taps
Are you sick of dealing with the hassle of a leaking tap? Lexicon Plumbing & Gas Fitting is your go-to plumber in the Blue Mountains area. We provide professional and quality plumbing maintenance for any leaking tap, showerhead, mixer tap or garden tap.
A leaking tap can really cause inconvenience in a home especially if not given immediate attention. Not only does it waste a lot of water but it can considerably increase your water bills. What's more, the constant dripping sound of a leaking tap can also potentially disturb family members.
Although a leaking tap may not seem to be a serious problem at first, it may possibly cause more serious damage over time, which may end up costing you more in the long run. Thus, as early as possible, it is important that you understand what's causing it and in what ways can you do to fix it.
In this blog, we'll provide helpful information on the causes of a leaking tap and tips on how to repair them.
What causes a tap to leak?
There may be a number of causes for a leaky tap either at your house or place of business, which may be one of the following:
Loose O-Ring
The o-ring is a rubber gasket created to fit into a groove and then be compressed to provide a seal between two or more rubber parts. To keep the faucet handle in position, this tiny disc is fastened to the stem screw. As time passes, the o-ring can get loose or becomes worn out. Thus, possibly causing your tap to leak. Sometimes, fixing the o-ring will completely stop your leaking tap.
Pipe Problems
Another problem may be coming from your pipe. When pipes get cracked, corroded, or simply damaged, your water supply or pressure changes, causing your taps to leak. Although a serious, pipe damage is unlikely to be the sole cause of a leaking tap, you might also encounter other problems with your water such as discolouration or unpleasant smells.
High Water Pressure
When water pressure is high, it basically puts too much pressure on your pipes. As a result, water flow is restricted. Due to this, water backs up and when it is unable to flow out, it begins to leak from your taps. If this happens often, it may lead to plumbing problems such as leaking and soon enough, it can even cause your pipes to deteriorate until they cannot hold back water anymore.
Worn Out Cartridge
A tap cartridge is a cylindrical part of the tap that controls the flow and temperature of water. When the cartridges worn out or when sediment builds up on your water pipes, leaking tap occurs. Most likely, worn out cartridges may only need replacement but make sure you know the right size of your cartridge to match the old one. If unsure, just ask the help of a trusted plumber.
Damaged Valve Seat
If you noticed that the leak is coming from the spout, it might be due to a damaged or corroded valve seat. Water sediment accumulation might erode the valve seat and result in a leak. This can be prevented by routinely cleaning it with the help of an experienced plumber.
Faulty Installation
Sometimes, no matter how you take care and maintain your taps, a faulty installation might be the reason behind the leaks. Often, DIY jobs are done without the necessary knowledge, skill and experience. As a result, they cause more damage to your leaky taps.
How do you fix a leaking tap?
Leaking taps are typically caused by various factors. The type of repair you need to perform depends on where the leak is coming from. Before you begin, it is important that you locate first where the leak is coming from.
To start, make sure to prepare first all the tools you'll need, such as:
- Jumper valves
- An O-ring
- Tap washer of the correct size
- A shifting wrench
- A screwdriver
- Pliers
- Tweezers
- Some gaffer tape
- A cloth
Make sure that you turn off the water supply to prevent flooding inside your home. The water main is commonly located outside of your house or in your front yard. If you live in a townhouse, you can locate your main tap inside your laundry room.
As you turn off the water supply, turn on your tap to get rid of any water left in the pipe. Don't forget to plug your sink to ensure no parts fall down the drain while you repair.
Step 1 Remove the tap button
Now that your basin has been plugged, it's time to remove your tap button which is indicated through the cold and hot water system. Use a screwdriver to remove easily.
Step 2 Remove the handle
After removing the tap button, you may need to remove the handle to see the inside of the tap. However, not all cases need to be like this. Sometimes, you won't need to remove the handle to see the inside of the tap. But if you do, it is necessary to unscrew the tap handle using a wrench or spanner.
Step 3 Remove the tap skirt
After removing the handle, the next thing to remove is the tap skirt. Some sealants may be too hard to remove so you may need to use a wrench to unscrew the skirt. To avoid scratching your tap, you can also use a gaffer tape.
Step 4 Remove the tap bonnet
At this point, you can take the tap body out to access the tap washer and jumper valve. Using a spanner, carefully remove the tap bonnet and store it for later use.
Step 5 Remove broken washer and jumper valve
Once done, you should now be able to locate the tap washer and the jumper valve. These parts are small so if you don't see them quickly, look in the tap bonnet when you removed it. Provided you found them, you might need to use a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers to get the jumper valve and tap washer out.
Step 6 Replace washer
After removing your washer and jumper valves, head to your nearby local hardware store to purchase new components to replace the damaged washer or jumper valve. Generally, washers at homes come in 12mm size, although they can be as large as 15mm or more depending upon the situation.
After determining the proper size washer, place the jumper valve and replacement washer inside your tap body. It is also advisable to purchase some skirt sealant to prevent mould accumulation for future protection.
Step 7 Tap reinstatement
In this step, reassembling your tap is necessary. When adding the tap bonnet, you may use a wrench or spanner to tighten it, make sure the jumper valve and washer are placed correctly. Keep it mind that you should not use a sealant in this step since it should be done at the last step.
Step 8 Main Water Supply
Ensure to shut off your tap entirely before turning on the water main. However, be cautious not to fasten the tap too firmly.
Step 9 Testing
After following these steps, it's now time to test if the leaking tap has been successfully fixed. Turn on the tap to check if there are leaks. If it is fixed, take off the skirt and handle and apply silicone to seal the skirt foundation. But, you should be very careful since silicone can become really messy.
If you did everything in these steps, and your tap still continues to drip, it could be an indication of a more severe plumbing concern. Hence, the best solution is to contact a local plumber right away so they can come and inspect the matter before it gets worse.
Can you fix a leaky tap yourself?
Although some leaking taps only require a simple fix, it is still better to call a plumber to prevent any potential complications in your plumbing system from developing.
What happens if you don't fix a dripping tap?
When dripping taps are not fixed immediately, the water accumulated may start to pool around certain corners of your home which could eventually lead to the growth of indoor mould. On top of that, your water bills may substantially go up. Not only is it a waste for the environment but it can also become a financial burden. For this reason, it is always best to keep an eye out for any dripping taps and ensure that they are fixed as soon as possible.
Will a plumber fix a dripping tap?
A plumber has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to fix a leaking tap. If you need to install new pipes to fix the leaking tap, hiring a plumber is the best solution. Not only can you ensure that the job is professionally done but a plumbing work done by a professional can also save you money in the long run.
What to do if the tap is leaking?
If you notice that your tap is leaking, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Leaking taps are not only an inconvenience, but they can also waste a significant amount of water. If you cannot identify the main cause of a dripping tap, it's always best to ask the help of a professional plumber or a reliable plumbing company to ensure the problem is fixed correctly and permanently.
Takeaway
Leaky taps are a common plumbing problem that can cause significant damage to your home and increase your water bill. They occur when the washer, seal, or other parts of the tap wear out and are unable to prevent water from escaping. Undoubtedly, leaky taps can be a nuisance if not attended to promptly. But with the help of a trusted plumber, you can be at peace knowing your problem will be resolved in no time.
Lexicon Plumbing & Gas Fitting specialises in emergency plumbing maintenance services for residential and commercial clients in the Blue Mountains region. We provide a quality service that is tailored to meet the needs of our clients. Whether you need to fix a leaky tap, unclog drains, or renovate your bathroom, our team of experienced and certified plumbers are available to respond to your plumbing emergencies.
