Have you ever been kept awake at night by the sound of a dripping tap? Or maybe noticed your water bill creeping up for no apparent reason? A common culprit behind these annoyances is a faulty tap washer – a small but crucial component in your tap’s mechanism. In this detailed blog post, we’ll dive into why tap washers fail, how you can identify and replace a faulty washer yourself, and when it might be time to call in a professional.
Understanding Why Tap Washers Fail
Tap washers are made from a range of materials including rubber, nylon, or silicone, and are placed inside the tap to create a water-tight seal. Over time, these washers can degrade due to normal wear and tear, exposure to minerals in the water, or simply because of the constant pressure they’re under every time you use your tap. Here are a few signs that your washer might need replacing:
- Consistent Dripping: The most obvious sign is a tap that won’t stop dripping, even when firmly closed.
- Squeaking When Turning the Tap: If turning your tap has become a noisy affair, it could mean your washer is starting to perish.
- Irregular Water Flow: A worn-out washer can also affect the flow of water, making it inconsistent.
Diagnosing a Faulty Washer
Before you can fix a problem, you need to be sure of its source. To diagnose a faulty washer in your tap, follow these steps:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Always start by shutting off the water supply to avoid any accidental spills or flooding.
2. Plug the Sink: This prevents any small parts like screws or the washer itself from accidentally disappearing down the drain.
3. Dismantle the Tap: You’ll usually need to unscrew the top of the tap. Sometimes, screws are hidden under decorative caps that can be gently pried off.
Once you have access, take a look at the washer. If it’s cracked, brittle, or warped, it’s time for it to go.
Replacing Your Tap Washer
With the faulty washer diagnosed, replacing it is usually straightforward:
1. Remove the Old Washer: It might be held in place with a nut or simply slotted in. Remove carefully with appropriate tools.
2. Size Matters: Ensure the replacement washer is the exact same size and shape as the one you're replacing. Taking the old washer with you to the store can help in finding an exact match.
3. Install the New Washer: Fit the new washer where the old one was, and reassemble the tap in reverse order of how you took it apart.
4. Test Your Work: Once everything is back together, turn the water supply back on and test the tap. No more drips should be present, and the action should feel smooth.
When to Call in a Professional
While many tap issues can be resolved with a washer change, some situations might call for professional help:
- Complex Tap Designs: Modern taps, especially mixer taps and those with ceramic disc technology, can be complex and their repair might go beyond a simple washer replacement.
- Persistent Problems: If the dripping persists even after you’ve replaced the washer, there might be another issue at play, such as a problem with the tap seat.
Preventing Future Washer Wear and Tear
To lengthen the lifespan of your tap washers:
- Avoid Over-Tightening: Turning your taps off too tightly can speed up the deterioration of the washers.
- Softening Your Water: In areas with hard water, consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral buildup in your plumbing.
Conclusion
Replacing a tap washer is a manageable task for most DIY enthusiasts and an effective way to stop bothersome dripping and potential water wastage. Remember, a smoothly operating tap can save you water and reduce your environmental footprint. If the task feels daunting or if the problem persists after a washer replacement, don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing professional. After all, ensuring the job is done right can sometimes be the most reliable solution.
