Leaking Taps Pretoria East: How To Fix Them

Legend Plumbers Pretoria East helps you with best DIY ways of fixing leaking taps. The sound of a leaking tap resonates through your home, echoing with frustration and wasted resources. We’ve all experienced the annoyance of dripping taps—the never-ending drops that seem to mock our attempts to silence them. But beyond the nuisance, there’s a more pressing concern: the steady stream of water flowing down the drain, leaving a dent in our wallets with each passing moment. That’s why the burning question on everyone’s mind is, “How can I fix a dripping tap myself?” While some leaking taps can be resolved with a DIY approach, there are instances when the problem persists despite our best efforts. In such cases, it’s also good to recognise when it’s time to call in a licensed plumber to uncover the hidden cause behind the elusive leaking tap. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fixing a leaking tap yourself.

REASONS WHY YOU MAY HAVE A LEAKING TAP

The most common cause of a leaking tap is a worn-out or damaged tap washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic seal located inside the tap handle that prevents water from flowing when the tap is closed. Over time, the constant turning on and off of the tap can cause the washer to wear out, resulting in a leaking tap.

Taps have various components such as o-rings, seals, washer and jumper valves that can become loose or damaged over time. If any of these components are worn or improperly installed, they can cause a leaking tap.

Excessive water pressure can cause leaking taps. When the water pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on the tap’s internal components, leading to a leaking tap. A pressure regulator can be installed to control the water pressure and prevent damage.

Over time, minerals and sediment present in the water (otherwise known as hard water) can accumulate inside the tap, leading to corrosion or blockages. This can cause leaks by interfering with the proper functioning of the tap’s components. Most taps in Perth will be affected by mineral build up so it’s important to regularly clean your taps from debris to avoid build up that’s difficult to remove.

If a tap is not installed correctly, it can result in leaks. This could be due to loose connections, improper sealing, or incorrect assembly of the tap components.

In some cases, a leaking tap may not be directly related to the tap itself but could indicate a problem with the plumbing pipes. Cracked or damaged pipes can cause water to leak at the tap connection point.

Taps undergo regular use, and the wear and tear over time can contribute to leaks. If a tap is old or has been used extensively, it may be more prone to leaking.

THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO FIX A DRIPPING TAP

Now that you have an understanding of what causes a leaking tap, it’s time to gather up the tools you need from your local hardware store. Chances are you’ll likely need the following:

A set of screwdrivers, both flathead and Phillips, will come in handy for removing screws and disassembling parts of the tap.

Pliers, such as slip-joint pliers or adjustable pliers, can assist in gripping and holding small parts securely while you work on the tap.

Some taps, especially modern ones, may have hexagonal or Allen key screws. Having an Allen key set will enable you to loosen or tighten these screws.

A spanner or a specialised basin wrench can be useful for accessing and turning hard-to-reach nuts under the sink or basin.

It’s a good idea to have a variety of washers on hand since worn-out or damaged washers are often the culprit behind tap leaks. Make sure you have the correct size and type of washer for your specific tap.

Plumbers tape, also known as thread seal tape, is used to create a watertight seal on threaded connections. It can be applied to the threaded parts of the tap to prevent leaks.

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THE STEPS TO FIXING A LEAKING TAP

Step 1. Turn off the water supply

Before you begin any work, it’s important to turn off the water supply to the tap. Look for the isolation valve under the sink or basin and shut it off. If you can’t find an isolation valve, you may need to turn off the main water supply for your home. Don’t overlook this step. Turning off the water supply is essential when fixing a leaking tap to prevent accidents and water damage. It ensures a safe working environment and prevents water from flowing while you disassemble and repair the tap.

Step 2. Disassemble the tap

Use a screwdriver or allen key to remove the tap handle. Depending on the type of tap, you may need to remove a decorative cap or cover to access the screw. Once the handle is off, you’ll see the valve or cartridge assembly.

Step 3. Inspect and replace washers or cartridges

Examine the washers or cartridges for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If you have a traditional tap, you may find a rubber washer at the base of the valve seat. Replace it if it appears worn out or damaged. For cartridge taps, you may need to replace the entire cartridge if it’s faulty.

Step 4. Replace o-rings and seals

If your tap has o-rings or seals, inspect them for cracks or damage. If needed, carefully remove the old o-rings and replace them with new ones of the same size. Apply a small amount of o-ring lubricant to ensure a smooth operation.

Step 5. Clean and remove any debris

While you have the tap disassembled, use a soft cloth or brush to clean any mineral deposits, sediment, or debris from the internal components. This helps ensure proper functioning and prevents future leaks.

Step 6. Reassemble the tap

Reverse the disassembly steps to put the tap back together. Tighten the screws securely but be cautious not to overtighten, as it can lead to damage or leaks.

Step 7. Turn on the water supply

Once everything is reassembled, turn on the water supply gradually and check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, test the tap by opening and closing it to ensure smooth operation.