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One of the most common (and annoying) plumbing issues we regularly encounter is that of a leaky tap. Not only can it keep us up at night, but it can be difficult to troubleshoot and identify the specific cause. Whether something has come loose or something else has worn down, finding and fixing the cause of the leaky tap is about more than just fixing a nuisance.
Each lost drop of water adds to your water bill and wastes one of our most precious life-preserving resources. To put that into numbers, a tap that drips 10 times every minute would waste thousands of litres of water every year, costing you anywhere from $60 to $200 extra in wasted water usage. Fortunately, there are simple ways to diagnose the cause of a dripping tap, and repairing your own leaky faucet may be easier than you think!
There are many common causes of a leaking tap, including:
Before you go ahead and buy a whole new tap to install, it is important to identify which component needs replacing. First, this can help save you money by buying a part and not a whole new tap, but in the case of high-water pressure, it can also reveal wider problems with your plumbing system.
So, what are you going to need before we look into taking the tap apart?
Essential tools for fixing a leaking tap include an adjustable wrench or spanner, a screwdriver, replacement washers and O-rings, a torch, masking tape, and limescale remover. We also recommend a bucket and a towel for the floor, if you are working on the pipes under the sink. You might not need every material for every tap fix, but it is useful to keep basic tools and materials for home DIY fixes.
You can pick up these tools and materials at most hardware stores but resist the temptation to buy the cheapest options of each. Check online reviews of tools and materials and ask the store staff to get a good idea of what will work well for your DIY repairs. Investing a little more money than the cheapest option can go a long way in the longevity of your repairs.
While most plumbing issues are best left to the professionals, you might attempt a DIY fix in an emergency or while you're waiting for a plumber. Here's what to do to troubleshoot your troublesome tap.
You can do this by turning off the valve on your water meter (often in your front yard), which will cut off the water to a residential house. If you're in a unit, you may have to look for individual valves inside the unit to cut off the water more locally.
Clear the sink area of anything in the way and towel dry all components to check for the precise location of leaks. Lay out all of your tools and equipment within easy reach, and you're ready to begin.
First, remove the tap handle by finding the retaining screw. The method of doing so will depend on what model and style of tap that you have. For a kitchen mixer tap, some models need the side removed with a pair of pliers, while for older models of bathroom taps, the screws are hidden in the back of the handle. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model for further advice. Once you have found the screw, unscrew it and take the tap handle off.
Once the tap handle is off, you should be able to see a washer and O-ring underneath. Check for wear and tear and whether they have any build-up on it. It can be a good idea to periodically replace intact washers and O-rings as a matter of maintenance, but if you see any signs of damage, replace them immediately. The O-ring will typically be above the washer, which is often slightly larger. Both are essential to good tap health.
Beneath the washer is the valve seat. The valve seat stops water from pumping through while the tap is off. Check this location carefully for signs of corrosion or sediment buildup as anything but a clean seal will cause water (which is always under pressure) to force its way through to the tap's spout, even if the tap's handle is firmly off. Give the area a scrub with an old toothbrush and flush the area with clean water. If you notice a buildup, use a little limescale remover (following the manufacturer's instructions) to clean the area more thoroughly.
Just as you disassembled the tap, reassemble it again; by making sure the washer and O-ring are in place, and the retaining screw is tight. Towel dry any noticeable water, and turn on the tap to a medium pressure. Check the area for any leaking water. If you notice water coming through anywhere except the spout, it's time to troubleshoot this DIY.
Depending on your model of tap, there may be additional components at fault. One of the threads inside the tap's cartridge may have worn down, certain models might have a ball valve, or there may be issues with where the tap attaches to the valve seat. Tap leaks can happen for a wide variety of reasons with fixes just as varied. A simple screw tighten, the replacement of worn-out parts and fixings, or the adjustment of the pipe's connection to the tap's body can all make a difference.
However, if none of these seems to work, it's time to call in your local professional plumber.
If the above DIY still results in persistent leaks or you notice complex damage inside the tap's mechanism, you'll need to call in a professional repair. While DIY can go a long way, plumbers work with taps and leaks every single day, and they can quickly determine the most likely issue with your plumbing.
Remember, a dripping tap is literally costing money by the hour, so don't wait or put it off. The cost of a plumber will be a drop in the bucket of leaving a tap dripping for months on end, so if you have a leak that needs urgent fixing, or even if it's been a while since your taps were checked, call the friendly team at Plumberoo for all things related to your tap health. We're happy to answer any questions and go over everything in the process. With an average response time of under two hours, we'll have your taps working as good as new before you know it.
