Everyone's experienced that slow, persistent drip of a tap at some point. Not only can the sound get on your nerves, but it can also hike up your water bill and lead to unnecessary waste of water. Before calling in a pro for something that might be a quick fix, let’s walk through what might be causing your tap to drip and simple steps you can handle to fix it. Remember, while DIY can be empowering, knowing when to call a professional is key to preventing bigger issues down the line.
Understanding Why Taps Drip
The cause of a dripping tap typically boils down to a few common issues with the internal mechanics: the washer, the cartridge, or the valve seat. To diagnose correctly, it's important to first identify the type of tap you have. There are mainly two kinds of taps: compression and washerless (which include ball, disc, and cartridge types).
Identifying Your Tap
To determine what kind of tap you have, figure out how it operates. If it has two handles, one for hot and one for cold, it's probably a compression type. If there's just a single handle that controls both temperature and flow, it's likely washerless.
Fixing a Compression Tap
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Every plumbing job starts by halting the water supply to avoid turning a drip into a flood. Usually, you'll find the valve under the sink. If there’s not one, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your home.
2. Remove the Decorative Parts
Use a flat screwdriver to gently remove the decorative parts of the tap. This will expose the screw that needs to be dealt with to reach the internal parts.
3. Unscrew and Replace the Washer
Once inside, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the stem in place. At the bottom of the stem you’ll likely find a worn-out washer that needs replacing. Match it with an identical one from your local hardware store.
Tackling Washerless Taps
Washerless taps are a bit trickier since they vary in design.
1. Ball-Type Taps
These include a lot of parts which makes them tough to repair. After dismantling the handle and housing, you will probably see the ball bearing which controls the water mix and flow. Replacing the seals and springs under this bearing usually stops the drip.
2. Cartridge Taps
After removing the handle as described above, the cartridge will need to be replaced. It’s important to get the exact match for your model, so take the old one to the store if necessary.
3. Ceramic Disc Taps
They work with two ceramic plates. Any drips signify that these plates are damaged. A new cartridge will be needed if the ceramic is cracked or chipped.
When to Call a Professional
While many tap issues are solvable with a bit of DIY, certain situations should be handled by professionals. This includes any modifications to the main water system, dealing with leaks that are not resolved by simple washer or cartridge replacements, or any damage to the plumbing encountered in the process. Furthermore, if your adjustments don’t stop the drip, it might be time to call in a pro.
Preventing Future Drips
- Regularly clean your tap's aerator (the screw-on screen that covers the tip of the tap).
- Be gentle with your taps. Over-tightening can wear out the components faster.
- Every six months, check under the sink for moisture or small leaks.
Conclusion
There’s satisfaction in handling minor repairs like fixing a dripping tap yourself, and it can certainly save a call-out charge. However, for anything beyond the basics, or where your improvements do not resolve the issue, it’s wise to consult a trusted professional. Regular maintenance and gentle usage can protect the longevity of your fixtures and ease the necessity for urgent repairs, giving you peace of mind.
