5 Reasons Why Your Tap Is Leaking & How To Fix
A leaking tap is often the result of worn or faulty internal parts such as cartridges, O-rings, or washers. These components are designed to form a watertight seal, and once they begin to fail, drips can follow. In some cases, the issue may also stem from corrosion, excessive water pressure, or incorrect installation.
A dripping tap can waste around 5,500 litres of water a year if left unattended, resulting in higher bills (not to mention the annoyance that a constant drip, drip, drip can bring).
There are several possible causes behind a leaky faucet, and identifying the reason can help you plan what to do next. You might be able to fix some issues yourself, but others will require the services of a professional. Plumbers and homeowners are discovering new ways of highlighting a leaky tap and how you can fix it. Here are a few probable causes for you to be aware of.
Damaged cartridge
Tap cartridges control the flow and temperature of water coming out of the tap, so they’re one of the most important components. Cartridges are highly durable, but they can become worn out over time or damaged by a buildup of sediment.
Sediment is a solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid. It’s typically composed of sand, silt, and clay. It causes erosion, weathering, and the deposition of particles carried by water, wind, or ice over time.
If you know which size cartridge you need, you may be able to replace it yourself, but you’ll need some specialist tools and knowledge of how taps work. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to call in a professional.
Worn or Damaged O-Ring
The O-ring is a small rubber ring that forms a seal inside the tap, usually around the base of the spout or within the handle. Over time, this ring can become brittle, crack, or flatten, especially in older taps or those that are used frequently.
When the O-ring no longer provides a proper seal, water can escape, which is what causes your leaky tap around the base or around the handle.
Pipe problems
A leaking tap can be caused by issues with your pipes, including cracks, corrosion or damage from tree roots. Damaged pipes can lead to fluctuations in water pressure, which then causes your taps to drip. However, pipe damage is serious, and it’s unlikely that this alone would cause a dripping tap. If you do have damaged pipes, you’ll probably notice other issues, such as unpleasant smells, discoloured water and much larger leaks.
High water pressure
Excessive water pressure can affect the flow of water in your pipes; if the pressure is too high, water cannot flow effectively. This causes water to become backed up, and if it can’t find an outlet, it will start to drip out of your taps. A plumber will be able to test your water pressure and provide a solution to lower it if necessary.
Damaged valve seat
The valve seat is what the washer closes onto when the tap is off, forming a seal between the spout and the tap. The valve seat comes under a lot of pressure so they’re vulnerable to corrosion and general wear and tear. You may be able to replace the valve seat yourself if you have the right tools, but again, it’s always best to call a professional if you’re not sure to avoid further damage.
How to fix a leaky tap
Fixing a leaking tap often depends on what’s causing the issue, and in many cases, it comes down to wear and tear on internal components.
As we have discussed, one of the most common culprits is a worn out rubber O-ring, often found inside the tap handle. If you’re confident with a bit of DIY, you can carefully disassemble the handle to check the O-ring or washer for signs of cracking, flattening or perishing. Always isolate the water supply to the tap before starting, and avoid forcing any brass threads, stripping them can lead to more trouble than the original leak.
If the issue is with the cartridge itself. Ceramic disc cartridges control water flow in many modern taps, but once worn, they can’t always be repaired and may need replacing entirely.
If you’re unsure what type you need, you can take the old cartridge to McRoberts, or any plumbing merchant, or try to match it by checking the code stamped on the side.
Some taps are trickier than others. For example, if you have a leaking mixer tap, the kind that controls hot and cold from one spout, you might need to replace both hot and cold cartridges, depending on which side is leaking.
If you’re struggling to source parts or aren’t confident dismantling the tap, replacing the entire unit may be the more straightforward option.
If in doubt, or if your tap continues to drip after you’ve tried a fix, it’s best to call in a professional plumber to take a proper look.
Receive Prompt Professional To Help Fix A Leaking Tap
If you’re suffering from a leaking tap, burst pipe or any other plumbing issues, get in touch with the team at McRoberts Plumbing. We’re proud to offer a full range of plumbing services in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Glasgow and beyond, including tap and sink repairs, bathroom installation, boiler repairs, burst pipes and shower fixtures.
A member of our expert team can be at your door within 24 hours. We also offer a 24/7 emergency hotline, so give us a call today or contact us online to find out more.