The rhythmic drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be more than just an annoyance. It's a constant reminder of wasted water and potential damage to your home. In Australia, an average home wastes over 10,000 gallons per annum due to untreated leaks, costing homeowners over $100.
But before you grab a wrench and start tightening everything in sight, understanding the cause of leaking taps can help you address the issue effectively.
In this guide, we will explore the structure of taps, the various reasons behind dripping taps, the problems associated with ignoring leaks, solutions for fixing them, and tips for preventing future leaks.
The Structure Of A Tap
To understand what causes a faucet to drip, let's take a quick look at its inner workings. Most taps consist of a valve body, a handle, a spout, and various internal components that control water flow.
1. Valve Body
The central core of the tap houses the valve seat and other components.
2. Handle
This controls the opening and closing of the valve, regulating water flow.
3. Spout
The outlet from which water flows.
4. Valve Seat
A seal that creates a tight closure against the valve stems, stopping water flow when the tap is off.
5. Washers/O-Rings
Rubber or plastic seals that create watertight connections within the valve body.
6. Valve Stem
The core component that opens and closes the valve seat, allowing water flow when turned.
7. Cartridge (Single Lever Taps)
A cartridge replaces the valve stem and washer system in single-lever taps, controlling both hot and cold water flow.
Causes of Leaking Taps
While seemingly a minor issue, a dripping tap can be caused by several factors
1. Worn or Damaged Washers/O-Rings
Over time, the rubber washers and O-rings within the tap can wear out, crack, or lose their elasticity. This allows tiny leaks to develop, causing the dripping sound.
2. Faulty Valve Seat
The valve seat, where the valve stem forms a seal, can become damaged due to corrosion, mineral deposits, or erosion. This compromised seal leads to water escaping when the tap is off.
3. Damaged Cartridge
In single-lever taps, a faulty cartridge can disrupt the proper closure of the valve, causing leaks.
4. High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure can put undue strain on the tap's components, leading to leaks around the valve or connections.
5. Pipe Problems
Leaks can sometimes originate from damaged pipes connected to the tap rather than the tap itself. This could be due to corrosion, loose connections, or even external factors like tree roots.
6. Age-Related Wear
Like any mechanical device, taps can wear down over time. Loose parts, degraded materials, and general wear and tear can all contribute to leaks.
7. Temperature Extremes
Sudden changes in temperature can cause the tap's components to expand and contract, potentially loosening connections and leading to leaks.
Problems Faced From Neglecting To Fix A Leaking Water Tap
Ignoring a dripping tap may seem inconsequential, but it can lead to more significant problems down the line
● Wasted Water
Even a small drip can waste a significant amount of water over time, impacting your water bill and contributing to environmental strain.
● Increased Water Damage
A constant leak can saturate surrounding areas, leading to mould growth, rot, and structural damage.
● Erosion and Corrosion
Leaking water can accelerate the erosion of pipes and surrounding materials, leading to more extensive repairs.
● Higher Repair Costs
Addressing a small leak early on is much more affordable than repairing extensive water damage caused by a neglected leak.
How to Fix a Leaking Tap?
Depending on the cause, leaking tap repair can be a simple DIY project or may require a professional plumber.
For minor leaks
Tighten the packing nut
The packing nut is located around the base of the tap handle. Tightening it (with proper tools) can create a better seal around the valve stem.
Replace worn washers/O-rings
If tightening the packing nut doesn't solve the problem, you might need to replace the worn washers or O-rings. Hardware stores typically stock these replacement parts.
For more complex leaks
Replacing the valve seat or cartridge
These repairs require some plumbing knowledge and specialised tools. If you're unsure about tackling this yourself, it's best to consult a professional plumber.
Addressing pipe problems
If the leak originates from the pipes, a plumber can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate repair solution.
Tips and Tricks to Prevent Tap Leaks
Prevention is always better than cure. Here's how to keep your taps drip-free
1. Proper Installation
Ensure taps are correctly installed by a qualified plumber to minimise the risk of future leaks.
2. Quality Fixtures
Invest in high-quality taps made from durable materials. When considering materials for high-quality taps, brass is often a top choice due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and longevity.
Other materials like stainless steel and solid copper can also be suitable choices for quality taps, offering similar benefits in terms of durability and resistance to corrosion. Ultimately, investing in taps made from these durable materials ensures reliability, minimising the risk of leaks and the need for frequent replacements.
3. Regular Maintenance
Develop a habit of periodically checking your taps for causes of leaking taps, i.e., loose parts, drips, and mineral buildup. Tighten any loose fittings and clean the tap aerator regularly to prevent mineral buildup that can damage the valve seat.
4. Avoid Excessive Force
Don't use excessive force when turning the tap handle. A gentle turn is all that's necessary to open or close the tap fully.
5. Tighten Loose Fittings
Tap connections can loosen slightly over time. Regularly check for loose fittings around the tap base and tighten them gently with the appropriate tools.
6. Moderate Water Pressure
High water pressure can stress your taps and pipes. Consider installing a pressure regulator on your main water line to maintain a moderate pressure level throughout your plumbing system.
7. Insulate Pipes
If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, consider insulating exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and cracking, which can lead to leaks.
Contact a Reliable Plumbing Company (JCON PLUMBING)
By understanding the causes of dripping taps, taking preventative measures, and seeking professional help when needed, you can keep your taps functioning smoothly and avoid the hassles and costs associated with water leaks.
While some tap leaks can be addressed with DIY solutions, it's always best to consult a professional plumber for more complex issues or if you're unsure about the cause of the leak.
JCON PLUMBING, with our team of licensed and best plumbers in Sydney, can diagnose the source of your tap leak and recommend the most appropriate repair solution. We are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to handle any leak, big or small.
In addition to tap repair in Sydney, we also provide services for installing plumbing systems in residential and commercial areas and round-the-clock emergency plumbing services in case of burst pipes and sewer backups.
Remember, a small drip today can lead to a big headache tomorrow. So, take action and keep your taps drip-free!
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