When a tap starts dripping, it might seem like a minor irritation. However, even a slow leak can waste substantial amounts of water over time, running up your water bill and potentially leading to more significant issues with your plumbing. Understanding why your tap is leaking and how to address this problem can save you not only water but also prevent further damages that might end up costing quite a bit in repairs.
Identifying the Cause of a Leaking Tap
The first step in any repair is pinpointing the exact problem. In most cases, the cause of a leaking tap is a worn-out washer or O-ring. However, corrosion, improper installation, or a degraded valve seat can also be culprits.
Types of Taps and Common Issues
Different taps have different mechanisms, and identifying your type of tap can help clarify why it's leaking. Compression taps are common and operate with a washer that seals the valve seat — these often leak due to a worn washer. Mixer taps and ball taps may develop leaks related to their cartridge or ball assembly. Ceramic disc taps, on the other hand, use two ceramic plates and usually leak when these plates are damaged or misaligned.
Approaching the Repair
Before beginning any plumbing work, make sure to turn off the water supply to avoid turning a drip into a flood. This is usually done at the valve under the sink, but it might be necessary to turn off your home’s main water supply if no valve is present.
Dismantling the Tap
Once the water is off, you will need to dismantle the tap. Begin by removing the handle, which is typically held in place by a small screw hidden under a decorative cap. With the handle removed, you'll access the inner workings: the stem, O-ring, washer, and possibly a cartridge, depending on your tap type.
Replacing the Washer
For compression faucets, the common suspect is the washer. Remove the old washer, which may be either screwed in place or held by a retaining nut. Check and replace the O-ring if it's worn out, as it can also cause leaks. Ensure the replacement washer and O-ring match the exact specifications and dimensions of the originals.
Dealing with Corrosion
Signs of corrosion can indicate more severe issues. If the valve seat — the part of the faucet body that the washer seals against — is corroded, it may not form a tight seal and continue to leak even after replacing the washer. In such cases, smoothing out the valve seat with a valve seat dresser can help, but if the damage is significant, calling in a professional might be the best course of action.
Reassembling and Testing
Once the necessary parts are replaced or repaired, reassemble the tap and turn the water supply back on to test for leaks. If the tap still leaks, a further investigation into more complex issues like cartridge or disc replacement might be necessary.
When to Call a Professional
If after these efforts the tap continues to drip, or you’re unsure about taking apart and reassembling plumbing components, it's wise to call a qualified plumber. Tackling more complicated issues with mixer taps, ball taps, or ceramic disc taps might also warrant professional assistance.
Preventing Future Leaks
To prevent future issues, regular maintenance is key. This can include cleaning taps to prevent mineral buildup, periodically changing washers and O-rings before they degrade, and avoiding excessive force when turning taps on and off.
Conclusion
While a leaky tap might be fixed by replacing a few small parts like washers and O-rings, sometimes the issues are more complex. If standard fixes don’t stop the drip, it’s important to defer to the expertise of a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage to your plumbing system. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and prevent future leaks from developing.
