What causes taps to drip?
Leaks in taps often stem from normal wear and tear due to regular use and ageing components.
Worn tap washers, deteriorated O-rings, malfunctioning jumper valve, or ceramic disc cartridges are the main causes of your leaking taps, often compounded by mineral deposit buildup and high water pressure.
Replacing faulty parts quickly can fix a dripping tap and prevent further issues.
Unattended dripping taps can increase water pressure, posing a risk of pipe damage and potential property destruction. To alleviate pressure-induced stress on your taps, consider fitting a pressure limiting valve. Our skilled plumbers can expertly identify and repair the underlying problems causing the leak.
Common causes of dripping taps
Understanding common plumbing culprits behind leaking taps is crucial for effective repairs, which our skilled plumbers can handle:
- Worn-out tap washers or O-rings fail to provide a watertight seal, permitting drops of water to evade capture when tap turned not in use. Replacing them restores the seal.
- Faulty jumper valves or ceramic disc cartridges may prevent taps from fully shutting off, causing leaks.
- Mineral deposits from hard water can build up on tap components like valves and cause them to malfunction.
- Very high mains water pressure can also cause strains on the taps, endangering your hot water systems and pushing water through tiny gaps.
Is a dripping tap considered a plumbing emergency?
The urgency of addressing a dripping tap depends on its severity and cause. While a slow drip may seem minor, a faster leak can waste significant amounts of water daily.
A tap that leaks one drip per second can waste more than 30 litres daily, adding up to over 9,100 litres annually if not fixed. The higher your water pressure, the greater the risk of a burst pipe, with the fast drip rate adding up.
A worsening drip often suggests that washers or seals require replacement due to wear or imminent failure. Promptly calling a professional can prevent the issue escalating into a disastrous leak.
For expert assistance on tap repairs, dial 1300 349 338, and our ready response team will assist you. We’re available any time, 24 hours day 7, to assess if immediate repairs are recommended or if a small leak poses minimal concerns for now. Turning off the water supply to your home during repairs helps thwart wastage and averts costly damage to your property.
Consequences of ignoring a dripping tap
Disregarding a dripping tap can magnify small issues into serious plumbing problems, with continuous leaks drastically increasing water wastage and consequently your bills.
Leaks in taps subjected to high pressure can intensify rapidly. The sound of water hammer, coupled with unattended dripping, significantly increases water wastage.
Persistent dampness from drips or leaks can lead to mould growth around sinks and cabinets, posing health risks and damaging interiors if unaddressed.
Even small drips can result in significant water loss and contribute to deterioration of tap components nearing failure. Swiftly addressing these drips can save money in the long term and prevent extensive damage due to burst pipes or flooding.
In summary, ignoring even small drips wastes money through water loss, risks health problems from mould and humidity, and exposes your home to preventable flooding if ageing parts fail. Our team of plumbers can diagnose why your tap drips and carry out targeted fixes to stop the problem in its tracks.
DIY temporary fixes for a dripping tap
You might temporarily fix a slow-dripping tap on your own, but for more substantial leaks, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance immediately.
For an interim DIY fix on plumbing appliances, reflect on how do I execute these steps with precision; it’s vital to learn the technique to discontinue the water flow to your home, guaranteeing no water reaches the tap.
Use an adjustable wrench to carefully shut off the water supply, protecting your home from possible water damage. Then open the tap fully to release any built-up pressure and drain any remaining water in the pipes, safeguarding the water supply your residence.
To access the washer jumper valve and begin the process to repair your leaking tap, unscrew the threaded section located beneath the tap handle. Purchase a replacement washer with the same thickness from your local hardware store.
If the leak continues, it’s time to consider professional services for a new o-ring or further inspection of internal components. The most common cause for concern, if the drip persists beyond a basic washer replacement, is to give us a call on 1300 349 338 for comprehensive repairs. Continuing to use a dripping tap without prompt leaking tap repair risks wasted water and the potential for damage over time.
When to call a professional plumber
If DIY attempts don’t resolve the drip, or the leak worsens, contact us for help. Our qualified plumbers are equipped to replace complex components such as ceramic disc cartridges and pinpoint the cause of the leak for effective repairs.
Call Rouse Hill Plumbing if your leaking tap is causing notable water wastage:
- The drip worsens even after you replace the tap washer
- Water damage is visible around the tap area, potentially indicating a compromised valve seat
- The leak occurs somewhere higher up like around the faucet handle
- You want to prevent long-term water wastage and damage
- The tap makes strange noises indicating complex issues
Our team’s vast experience guarantees efficient repairs on leaking taps across Sydney. With a well-equipped van, we often complete repairs in one visit. Enjoy transparent, upfront pricing for our range of services, with no unexpected fees.
Secure an appointment for your dripping tap or other plumbing woes in the North Shore, get in touch at Rouse Hill Plumbing now:
Phone: 1300 349 338
Email:jobs@rousehillplumbingservices.com.au
How to prevent taps from dripping
Preventing future drips requires regular maintenance and vigilant monitoring of your plumbing system to identify and address issues like leaking taps early.
Replacing washers and O-rings at signs of wear or upon leakage, without waiting for complete failure, is crucial. With proper maintenance of jumper valves and ceramic disc cartridges by our technicians, we can preemptively address your plumbing needs.
Inspect your taps and pipes, bodies, handles and connections for mineral deposits or corrosion and have them cleared before blockages develop. Keep an eye out for leaks originating higher up rather than just from the faucet itself.
Excessive water pressure can strain your home’s plumbing and fixtures, exacerbating leaks and potentially causing damage.
If your water pressure surpasses 500 kPa, installing a pressure limiting valve can help prevent leaks and damage. Our experts can evaluate your water pressure and suggest appropriate solutions.
Regular plumbing inspections aid in early detection and repair of small issues. Rouse Hill Plumbing provides preventative maintenance plans to sustain optimal water flow. Reach out to us for timely inspections and ensure the longevity of your plumbing systems.