7 Common Reasons Behind Leaking Taps

A leaking tap or faucet might not seem like a big problem, but the heavy amount it will add to your water bill surely is. A slightly leaking tap can also add thousands of dollars to your total bill. So, you’ll be paying extra than what you would pay for leaking taps repair! What if we said that there are some simple ways in which you can save on your water bills and, most importantly, save more water? To get to the root cause of leaking taps and faucets, let us first look at some of the most common reasons behind leaking faucets and taps.

The most common reasons for leaking faucets or taps

1. Damaged Cartridge
2. Broken Washers
3. Water Pressure
4. Malfunctioning O-Ring
5. Deteriorated Valve Seat
6. Improper installation or loose parts
7. Calcium or lime build-up

1. Damaged Cartridge

Faulty cartridges, often concealed within your tap’s handle, can be a silent source of leaks. In such cases contacting a leaking taps plumber can be one of the options. These components control the flow of water and are susceptible to wear. Over time, continuous usage and exposure to water can lead to cracks or misalignments, resulting in leaks around the tap handles. Addressing damaged cartridges promptly is essential to prevent unnecessary water waste and maintaining a leak-free home plumbing system.

2. Broken Washer

Leaky taps often stem from worn-out washers. These small components, tasked with creating a seal, can deteriorate over time due to usage and water pressure. A broken washer fails to form a proper seal, allowing water to escape around the tap’s base or spout. Timely replacement is essential to prevent water waste and ensure that timely leaking taps repair is done.

3. Water Pressure

High water pressure exerts strain on tap components, leading to leaks. The force wears down washers, O-rings, and seals that keep water in check. Additionally, water hammer—a shockwave from sudden water flow changes—can weaken taps over time. Installing pressure-reducing valves helps maintain consistent pressure, prevent premature wear and leaks, and ensure your taps operate efficiently and without waste.

4. Malfunctioning O-Ring

O-rings, those small yet critical components, create watertight seals within taps. Over time, these rubber rings can become loose or damaged, compromising their ability to prevent leaks. When O-rings fail, water escapes around the tap’s handles or spout. Regular inspection and replacement of these tiny but vital parts are essential for keeping your taps leak-free and your leaking taps plumber system efficient.

5. Deteriorated Valve Seat

The valve seat, an essential part of tap mechanics, can succumb to corrosion. Water sediments create a corrosive environment, leading to cracks in the valve seat. These cracks compromise the tap’s ability to form a proper seal, resulting in leaks around the spout. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to preventing this issue and ensuring your taps stay leak-free.

6. Improper installation or loose parts

Inadequate installation or loose components can pave the way for tap leaks. Faulty connections or improperly tightened parts can lead to water seepage around the base or handles of the tap. Vigilance during installation and occasional checks for loose parts are essential during leaking taps repair. If you suspect installation issues, seeking professional assistance ensures a leak-free and well-functioning plumbing system.

7. Calcium or lime build-up

The accumulation of calcium or lime deposits in your tap can lead to leaks. Over time, minerals in water can form buildups that compromise seals and connections, causing leaks around the handles or spout. Regular cleaning with mild solutions and the use of water softeners can help prevent this issue. Addressing buildups promptly ensures your taps remain leak-free and efficient. Now that you know the possible reasons why your faucet or tap is leaking, but in an emergency situation, what should you do to stop the tap from leaking and possibly flooding your bathroom or kitchen with the help of the leaking taps plumber? Here are some tips to help you save the day and save on some heavy water bills!

Tips to stop a tap from leaking

1. Turn off the main water supply

To initiate repairs for a leaking faucet, start by locating the water shut-off valve. Usually found beneath the sink, turning it clockwise will halt the flow of water to the tap. This precaution prevents ongoing leakage and potential flooding, allowing you to work on the issue safely and effectively.

2. Gather Tools

To tackle a leaking tap, assemble essential tools beforehand. A wrench helps remove the tap’s handle, while pliers aid in handling small components of leaking taps repair. Screwdrivers are crucial for disassembly, and having replacement parts like washers or O-rings on hand ensures a smooth repair process, saving time and effort.

3. Identify the tap type

Understanding your tap’s type is pivotal for effective repairs. Compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic-disc taps have distinct mechanisms. Identifying yours guides your repair strategy, ensuring you address the specific components causing the leak. This knowledge streamlines the process and increases the likelihood of a successful repair.

4. Inspect the leak and clean

Begin by gently disassembling the tap. Thoroughly examine washers, O-rings, and components for signs of wear, cracks, or mineral accumulation that contribute to leaks. To clear buildups, use a mild solution of vinegar and water, ensuring optimal function and preventing future leakage issues in your tap or contact a leaking taps plumber.

5. Replace worn-out or faulty parts

If you find worn washers, O-rings, or damaged components during inspection, replacing them is paramount. Acquire new parts that precisely match the old ones in terms of size and type. This replacement guarantees a secure seal, effectively halting leaks and restoring your tap’s optimal functionality.

6. Reassemble

After repairing components, carefully reassemble the tap by following the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure each part aligns perfectly as you put them back in place. This meticulous reassembly guarantees a seamless fit, eliminating gaps that could cause leaks and ensuring your tap functions flawlessly.

Save water and money

Now that you know the right procedure for leaking taps repair and the possible reasons for a leak, you can easily fix everything yourself. There are certain situations that might need professional attention; in such cases, you can contact your nearest plumbing company.