The sound of running water can be soothing, but it can also drive you crazy when it’s coming from a dripping tap. Not only is the sound of a dripping tap annoying, but it also wastes water and money. While dripping taps don’t waste a lot of water by themselves, over time, the drip, drip, drip can make a big difference, especially if you have a leaky faucet. No matter how well a bathroom tap is installed, it’s possible that a leak will develop. While it may seem tempting to just leave the tap dripping, it’s important to fix the problem to avoid other potential problems elsewhere on your property.
What causes a dripping tap
It might be because the washer has gone and blocked the hole, or the washer might be broken. It’s a good idea to check your taps regularly to make sure they’re not leaking. If you can’t see any leaks around the spout, check the washer and washer pipe for leaks. The washer will probably have a tiny hole in the middle of it. If you can see this hole dribbling water, you will probably need to replace the washer.
In some cases, a dripping tap is caused by a fault in the supply pipes connecting to the tap, such as a kink that’s preventing water from flowing into the pipe, or a crack that’s letting water escape.
Figuring out the cause of a leaky tap can be tricky for even the most experienced plumber. If your tap is leaking, you should first clean the aerator (that little screen in the bottom of your tap). Then you should check if the offending drip is coming from the supply tube or the sink drains, and listen for any unusual sounds.
Fixing a leaking tap
The first step to fixing a leaking tap is to turn off the water supply to the entire house. You may then need to remove the faucet handles if they are stuck on, as you won’t be able to turn it off if they are stuck. You can use a towel or rag to cover the tap if you are not able to turn it off. If the tap is leaking from the seal, you can replace the seal, if you can find a replacement. If the gasket has worn out, to fix this, you will need to get a new gasket and replace the old one.
If the tap is too old, may be it’s time to replace with a new tap. If you are replacing the whole tap, you will need to take the tap out of the sink. The tap is held in place by screws on the top, you’ll need to unscrew it and then detach the hoses and drain. Replacing the whole tap is a difficult job and require the right tools and skills. If it is not done right, you could risk flooding your house. So it is highly recommended hiring a licensed plumber to handle it.
