When faced with a dripping tap, the annoyance isn't just in the persistent sound of water hitting the sink, but also in the potential waste and the slight increase in water bills over time. Before you roll up your sleeves or call in a professional, understanding why your tap is leaking and what you can do about it might save you time and effort. Let's delve into common causes of leaky taps, ways to identify the type of leak, how you can fix it, and tips to prevent future dripping.
Understanding Why Taps Leak
A leaky tap is often the result of several mechanical failures within the tap’s structure. Whether it's a worn-out washer, a failing O-ring, or a corroded valve seat, each has its role in ensuring water flows smoothly without escaping when the tap is turned off.
- Worn-out Washer: The washer forcefully presses against the valve seat, and this constant friction wears it out. Consequently, a drip occurs.
- Faulty O-ring: The O-ring is a small disc attached to the stem screw that holds the tap’s handle in place. If this component wears out or loosens, a leak near the handle can occur.
- Corroded Valve Seat: The valve seat can become corroded by water sediment, causing leakage around the spout area.
Identifying the Type of Your Tap
Before attempting any repairs, identifying your tap type is crucial as it determines the method of repair. The most common types are:
- Compression Taps: These use washers and are the most prone to dripping. They’re easy to identify by their two-turn handle for hot and cold.
- Ball Taps: These use a ball bearing to control water flow and temperature.
- Ceramic Disc Taps: Known for their durability, these taps control the flow with two ceramic discs.
- Cartridge Taps: Similar in appearance to ceramic disc taps but function through a cartridge.
Step-by-Step Leak Fixing
Fixing a leaky tap involves a few well-outlined steps that you can undertake using basic household tools. Here’s how you can address a common washer-related leak:
1. Turn off the Water Supply: Before you begin, ensure the water supply is turned off to avoid a watery mess.
2. Plug the Drain: Use a sink plug or a cloth to block the drain. This prevents any small parts from falling down the drain.
3. Remove the Tap Handle: Unscrew the handle from the tap. You might need a screwdriver or an Allen key depending on the tap design.
4. Replace the Washer or O-ring: Once the handle is removed, locate the washer or O-ring. Take the damaged one to a hardware store to get an exact match.
5. Reassemble the Tap: After replacing the necessary parts, reassemble the tap and tighten all components securely.
6. Test Your Tap: Turn on the water supply and test the tap for any leaks.
When to Call a Professional
Certain tap repairs can escalate beyond a simple DIY if not handled correctly. Here are some scenarios when calling a professional plumber is advisable:
- Multiple Leaking Taps: If multiple fixtures are affected, this could indicate a more complex issue.
- No Visible Fix: If after replacing washers and O-rings the tap still leaks, there could be a deeper mechanical failure.
- Specialised Taps: Certain taps, like pull-out spray kitchen taps or taps with complex mechanisms, might require professional expertise.
Preventing Future Leaks
Maintenance is key to preventing tap leaks. Regularly clean your taps to avoid sediment build-up, which can exert pressure on mechanical components. Occasionally, lightly unscrew and screw back the tap handles to ensure the joints and screws remain in good working order.
Conclusion
Dealing with a leaking tap is certainly frustrating, but with the right approach, it can be resolved quickly or even prevented. By understanding what causes tap leaks and how to effectively fix them, you are well-equipped to handle minor repairs. However, remember that when a repair goes beyond the basics, or if the issue persists despite your best efforts, seeking professional help is a wise and safe course of action. Regular maintenance and proactive checks are your best defense against future leaks and plumbing hassles.
