Common Causes of Leaking Taps and How to Fix Them?

A dripping tap is one of the most annoying household problems. Not only is it a waste of water, but it can also drive up your water bill. Luckily, there are some easy ways to fix a leaking tap. In this article, we’ll show you some of the most common causes of leaking taps and how you can fix them.

Why Does My Tap Keep Leaking?

There are a few different reasons why your tap might be leaking, but luckily most of them are easy to fix! Here are some of the most common causes of a leaking tap, and how to fix them:

1. Worn out washers: Washers are what create a watertight seal between the moving parts of your tap, so if they’re worn out, it’s no surprise that your tap is leaking. You can easily replace the washers yourself – just make sure to turn off the water supply before you start fiddling with the taps!
2. Loose fittings: If your taps are loose, then it’s only a matter of time before they start leaking. Tighten up any loose fittings with a wrench, and your taps should be good as new.
3. Corroded valves: Over time, the valves inside your taps can become corroded, which will cause them to leak. This is usually a more serious problem that will require the help of a professional plumber to fix.
4. Cracked taps: If your tap is cracked, then it’s obviously going to leak! This is usually caused by using too much force when turning the tap on or off, so be careful in future. You’ll need to replace the entire tap unit if it’s cracked.

A Washer Gone Bad – the Most Common Cause of a Leaking Tap

If your tap is leaking, chances are that the washer is the culprit. The washer is a small, disk-shaped piece of rubber or metal that seals the connection between the valve seat and the spout. Over time, washers can become worn or damaged, causing them to leak. Fortunately, replacing a washer is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair. Simply remove the handle, unscrew the bonnet nut, and then remove the old washer. Be sure to take it with you to the hardware store so you can purchase an identical replacement. Once you have the new washer, simply reverse the process and reassemble the tap.

If you’re not comfortable performing this repair yourself, you can always hire leaking tap repairs Adelaide professionals to do it for you.

Loose Screws and Handles – Another Common Cause of Leaks

If your taps are loose, it’s likely that the screws or handles are to blame. Over time, these components can work their way loose, causing water to leak out. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix. Simply tighten the screws or handles until they’re snug. If you can’t get them tight enough with your fingers, use a wrench or pliers.

Once you’ve tightened everything up, turn on the water and check for leaks. If the taps are still leaking, you may need to replace the washers.

Worn out Rubber Seals – Another Possible Cause of a Dripping Tap

If your rubber seals are worn out, it could be causing your tap to drip. This is because the seals are responsible for keeping water from leaking out of the tap. When they’re worn out, water can seep through and cause a drip. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the seals. This is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself. Just make sure to get the right size seals for your particular taps.

If you’re not sure how to replace the seals, you can always consult a plumber. They’ll be able to do it for you and make sure everything is working properly again.

When to Call a Professional for Help?

There are a few times when you should definitely call in a professional to help you with your leaking taps. If the leak is severe and causing water damage, if you can’t identify the source of the leak, or if you can’t fix it after trying a few simple solutions, then it’s time to call in reinforcements. In most cases, a professional will be able to quickly identify the problem and provide a lasting solution.