Have you ever been kept awake at night by the relentless drip, drip, drip of a leaking tap? It’s a small problem that can drive you to distraction, and not just because of the noise. A leaky tap can lead to wastage of water and increased bills, not to mention the potential for water damage over time. This guide will walk you through the steps to identify why your tap is leaking and how to fix it.
Why is Your Tap Leaking?
The most common cause of a leaking tap is a worn-out washer. The washer forms a seal that prevents water from passing through when the tap is turned off. Over time, this part can degrade or become rigid, losing its ability to seal properly.
Another potential culprit could be a damaged valve seat, which can occur if the washer has been worn out for some time and has allowed water to seep through, corroding the valve seat. Alternatively, the leak could be due to worn O-rings, a faulty cartridge in a mixer tap, or even a build-up of sediment.
How to Diagnose Your Leaky Tap
To diagnose a leaky tap, start by identifying the type of tap you have: is it a traditional washer tap or a mixer tap? Washer taps include a compression mechanism, which is typically controlled by a rotating handle. Mixer taps, on the other hand, might use a cartridge system and usually have a single handle or lever to control both hot and cold water.
If your tap is dripping, the type of tap will determine your approach:
- Compression Washer Taps: Often, the issue is with the washer.
- Mixer Taps and Cartridge Taps: These can have more complex mechanisms, making diagnosing more difficult. It could be the ceramic plates within the cartridge that have worn out.
Steps to Fix a Leaky Compression Washer Tap
1. Turn Off Water Supply: Ensure your water mains are turned off.
2. Plugging the Sink: Always plug the sink before you start – this prevents small parts like screws and washers from being lost down the drain.
3. Remove the Tap Handle: This is usually secured by a screw, either under a cap on the top of the handle or on its side.
4. Dismantle the Tap Stem: Unscrew and remove the nut then puill out the stem.
5. Replace the Washer: Remove the old washer and fit the new one – they’re cheap to buy and come in standard sizes.
6. Reassemble the Tap: Once the new washer is on, reassemble the tap in the reverse order.
Steps to Fix a Leaky Mixer Tap
1. Turn Off Water and Plug Sink: As with the washer tap.
2. Remove the Handle and Cover: This will expose the internal cartridge which needs inspection.
3. Replace the Cartridge: If the cartridge is damaged or worn, replace it. Unlike washers, cartridges need to be matched exactly so take the old one with you when buying a new one.
4. Reassemble the Tap: Make sure everything is tight to avoid new leaks.
When to Call a Professional
While many tap issues can be fixed at home with a few tools and a bit of patience, there are times when it's wise to call in a professional. Jobs that warrant professional help include:
- Repeated leaks after replacing washers or cartridges
- Leaks under the sink or involving the pipes rather than the tap itself
- If your DIY repair has accidentally led to a bigger problem
Prevention: Keeping Your Taps in Tip-Top Condition
Regular maintenance can help avoid frequent tap repairs:
- Regular cleaning to avoid build-up of limescale and sediment
- Periodic checks on washers and O-rings and replace them before they start leaking
- Soften your water if you live in a hard water area to extend the life of your tap parts
Conclusion
Dealing with a leaking tap can be annoying but is often a straight forward fix. It’s about understanding the mechanics of your tap and knowing when you can fix it yourself and when to call for backup. You may not be able to prevent every leak, but regular maintenance can minimise the inconvenience and damage from this common household issue. Consider this a practical action: tackle those small, ignoreable tap leaks before they escalate into bigger problems.
