How to fix a leaking tap

Nexus February 29, 2024 0

 

Not only do leaky taps produce an annoyance, but they can also create headaches. If left unchecked, a malfunctioning tap can waste up to 13.6 litres (3 gallons) of water daily, that's enough to fill eight kettles and throw it all out!

In daily living, leaking or leaky taps can be a major problem. In addition to making a loud noise, they have the potential to leak and waste up to three gallons of water every day. You'll eventually notice that your water costs are increasing and that the things you pay for are decreasing

Ensure you have the appropriate replacement parts and know the type of tap you are working with.

Although repairs may cost more upfront, they will ultimately save you money. You can repair the dripping tap on your own if you're handy. Here is a blog entry for those who want to handle this maintenance problem yourself.

Which equipment is required?

To assist you with this work, you will need the following:

• A spanner that can be adjusted
• Cross-headed and flat-headed screwdrivers are required.
• Replacement parts for the lubricant: a ceramic valve cartridge or new O-rings and washers will be required, depending on the type of tap you're using.
• A box spanner will also be required if the spout O-ring needs to be replaced.

Types of Taps and their peculiar leaking patterns

1.   Conventional faucets

Traditional water tap types leak because of a broken washer, which needs to be changed.

2.   Single-piece lever taps

Leaking in a Monobloc tap is most likely the result of a cracked ceramic cartridge. The best course of action is replacement.

Instruments You'll Require

A cross-headed screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, replacement O-rings or cartridges, and plumber's tape.

Procedures To Fix A Leaking Tap

1.   Cut off the primary water supply.

Cutting off your home's water supply is the procedure's first and most crucial step. By doing this, you can avoid inadvertently flooding your bathroom or kitchen.

 

Check by turning on the tap after you've turned off the water. You can start now if there is no water leaking out!

2.   Take the handles off

It's time to take off the handles after shutting off the water. The kind of fixture you have will determine the removal technique.

●     Cap-equipped handles: A screw beneath the cover on some tap handles is hidden. Just unscrew the handle and take off the caps with the flat-head screwdriver.

●     Has grub screw handles:To unscrew the grub screw on these handles, an Allen key is needed. Once the screw is removed, the handle can be removed.

●     Levers on handles that unscrew: Levers on some taps include an additional screw underneath that can be accessed by unscrewing the lever.

3.   Take the cartridge out.

After the handles are removed, the cartridge (the tap stem) is seen. Some are easily removed, but others need to be unscrewed using a spanner.

Before removing the cartridge, lay a cloth underneath it in case any extra water leaks.

4.   Examine the components to determine the source of the leak.

After removing the corresponding parts, it's time to identify the leak's source. Examine each component closely for wear and tear or if any are fractured.

High water pressure could be the source of the leak if they're in good shape.

5.   Resolve the problem

Replace any broken, rusted, or damaged parts with new ones. To stop leaks, it's crucial to ensure that washers and o-rings fit perfectly.

As an alternative, find the water pressure regulator and slowly adjust it if high water pressure is the source of the leak.

6.   Reinstall the cartridge and the handle

Once the required components have been replaced, reassemble the tap by entering the cartridge and the handle.

Check for leaks and turn on the main water supply

The final step is to turn the water supply back on and inspect for leaks when the tap has been rebuilt.

If required, adjust the water pressure regulator more until you achieve the ideal setting.

Extra tips to repair a water tap leak

Here are some recommendations to assist you in ensuring that the leak is fixed smoothly and fast!

●     You can shield your tap by using a towel or masking tape.

●     To preserve the polish and avoid scratches, use a cloth or masking tape when disassembling the tap.

●     When buying a replacement, take the part to the hardware store.

●     Before doing this work, find out what the plumbing laws in your state require. It can be against the law to perform unlicensed plumbing work, and your insurance might not cover you.