Do I Need A Plumber To Fix A Dripping Tap
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- Dripping Tap, Leaking Tap, Plumbers
- Posted date:
- 01-09-2022
Do I need a plumber to fix a dripping tap? If you experience a dripping tap, you may not be able to fix the problem without professional help. Find out what to do if you find a dripping tap problem.
Leaking Taps and Pipes
It is preferable to get plumbing leaks corrected as quickly as possible, whether they be pipe leaks or dripping taps. You can be squandering water in addition to potential property damage from the leak. Keep in mind that not all taps are created equally or are meant to endure.
The easiest approach to prevent potentially expensive repairs is to start with a premium brand. Additionally, the type of tap you install will matter. Compression-style taps are typically quite simple to fix. Again, there aren't the same types of problems with cartridge- and ball-style taps, although occasionally, the cartridge may need to be changed.
Call a professional if you've attempted to fix the problem yourself but are unsure of the reason for the leaking tap or just can't get it to stop pouring.
Causes of a Dripping Tap
The tap commonly leaks and drips as a result of minor issues, which are frequently easy to fix without a plumber's assistance. The rubber seals are frequently the problem since they can accumulate limescale over time or develop leaks as a result of material deterioration. It is simple and quick to replace these seals or O-rings.
The built-in cartridge inside the tap on contemporary single lever mixers could be to blame for the leaky faucet. In order to stop the dripping, this may frequently be taken apart and either descaled or entirely replaced. A leaking tap is frequently caused by worn-out components.
When the washers or seals grow old and either break free or start to wear down at the edges, conventional taps will begin to leak. Particularly washers are frequently put under water pressure, so it's only a matter of time before they begin to deteriorate. Similar issues arise with washerless taps.
While the inlet and outlet seals and the O-rings on the cartridge, ball, and disc-style taps don't deteriorate as quickly as they do on normal compression taps, they may and do. Inlet seals can acquire layers of silt over time, which might eventually cause leaks. Loose nuts around the handles or fittings are another reason for leakage.
Why Get Your Dripping Tap Repaired By A Plumber?
Dripping taps cost money to fix and are a hassle for homeowners. An unfixed leaking tap can waste up to 3 gallons of water each day on average, which significantly raises your water cost. Even though a leaky tap might not seem like a major problem, getting a plumber to fix it will end up saving you money.
It's recommended to contact a professional plumber to fix your leaky tap if you don't have any prior plumbing skills so that no more harm may be done.
How You Can Fix A Dripping Tap:
Turn Off the Water Supply
The success of your do-it-yourself repair heavily depends on this initial step. By ensuring sure the water supply is shut off, you are guarding against any potential future harm that the leaking water may create.
Additionally, by turning off the water supply before beginning any repairs on your taps, you avoid creating too much of a mess while completing the repair, much like with the DIY repair described above.
Turn on the tap to drain any leftover water after shutting off the water at the mains. To thoroughly empty the pipes, make careful to alternate between hot and cold water.
Take Apart the Tap
With a flathead screwdriver, remove the ornamental components and store them securely. There should now be a central screw that has to be removed. This could be concealed by a grub screw, a smaller screw. Make sure the sink is plugged before you twist off the case to reveal the cartridge, which can then be removed.
This stops any tiny tap components from falling into the drain. Once that is fastened, start disassembling the tap by removing the tap handle and unscrewing the tap mechanism using a screwdriver.
To make the rebuilding process considerably simpler, be sure to arrange the pieces you have unscrewed.
Identify the Problem
Make sure you can tell the difference between hot and cold cartridges, then simply remove the old cartridge and replace it. You may inspect whatever sections of your tap are rusted, damaged, dysfunctional, or coated with mineral deposits by disassembling them.
Reassemble your tap, switch on the water supply, and verify that your repair was successful. Make sure the replacement part fits tightly into the tap once you've decided which parts need to be replaced. Otherwise, this will just make the issue worse.
To make sure you get the precise size replacement component when you go to the hardware store, you should snap a picture of the broken component, or even better, the component itself.
Reassemble
Once all of the components have been fixed and are ready to use, you may begin reassembling the tap. Make certain that you follow the procedures properly and in the correct order. Tighten all of the screws to confirm that everything is working properly; look for any more leaks as soon as the water starts flowing.
What you Need to Fix a Dripping Tap
Before you begin, gather your equipment to ensure that you have everything you need. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may require a spare part; therefore, a trip to the hardware shop may be necessary.
An adjustable spanner, a pipe wrench, a variety of flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, scissors, a replacement tap cartridge, a tap washer or O-ring, and PTFE tape are all required. Your tap will inform you how much water you'll need if you're unsure.
Replace the tap washers first if you have two traditional taps; if it doesn't work, you might need to replace the O-ring. A contemporary Monobloc mixer tap requires a new cartridge before it can be used.
Do you require pluming repair or servicing? We offer plumber services to both domestic and commercial customers Uppingham, Oakham, Stamford and Rutland. Our charges are highly competitive and realistic. If you are experiencing problems with your plumbing - Please contact us.