Dripping Tap? Causes, Fixes and Expert Help
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Ever been kept awake at night by the relentless sound of a dripping tap? While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, those steady droplets can quickly add up, wasting water and increasing your bills. Left unchecked, it could even lead to damage around your taps or sink. By acting quickly, you’ll save water, reduce expenses, and keep your home in excellent condition. Read on for how to fix a leaking tap, common causes, and when to get expert help!
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Why Repair a Leaking Tap Immediately?A dripping tap may seem like a minor issue, but it can waste over 180 litres of water daily — that’s around 66,000 litres in a year, significantly increasing your water bills. If the issue is with your hot tap, the situation becomes even more expensive, as the heated water leaking away can also drive up your gas bills.
Beyond financial costs, pooling water can encourage mould growth, pose health risks, and potentially cause damage to surrounding floorboards or cabinets, leading to rot over time. Plus, wasted water contributes to environmental strain, especially during summers marked by droughts.
Understanding the common causes behind a dripping tap can help you pinpoint the issue and take appropriate steps to resolve it. Below, we explain several potential reasons why your tap might be dripping:
Clogged Rubber Washers
Rubber washers sit at the base of the tap’s aerator and are designed to create a watertight seal. Over time, these washers can accumulate dirt, mineral deposits or general debris, which prevents them from sealing properly. A common sign of this issue is water dripping from the spout even when the tap is tightly turned off. Regular cleaning or replacing the washer can often solve the problem.
Dirty Valve Bonnets
Valve bonnets act as a protective component within the tap’s mechanism, controlling water flow. When dirt or debris gathers in this area, it can interfere with the bonnet’s ability to close fully. This buildup may result in persistent dripping. Inspecting and cleaning the valve bonnet can restore proper functionality and stop the leak.
Worn or Dirty Cartridges
Modern taps often use cartridges to regulate water flow and temperature, especially in mixer taps. Over time, these cartridges can degrade due to wear and tear or become clogged with debris, causing leaks. If you notice inconsistent water pressure or difficulty in turning the tap handle, it may be time to replace the cartridge.
Broken Washers
Washers provide a crucial seal within the tap assembly. However, regular use or improper installation can cause them to crack or deteriorate. A broken washer often results in visible dripping shortly after using the tap.
Limestone Build-Up or Old Fittings
Hard water regions are particularly prone to limescale build-up, which can clog tap components, including aerators and internal fittings. Over time, this mineral accumulation can lead to leaks. Additionally, older taps or outdated fittings may fail due to wear, even without excessive build-up. Regular maintenance, such as descaling or upgrading older fixtures, can help prevent leaks caused by these issues.
Simple repairs and regular maintenance not only stop the dripping but also extend the life of your tap. If the problem persists or you’re unsure of how to proceed, seeking professional tap repair is a reliable and lasting solution.
If you’re handy with DIY, you could fix a dripping tap yourself. Follow these steps:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The first and most important step is to shut off the water supply to your tap. Locate the isolation valve, usually found under the sink, and turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water. If you can’t find the isolation valve, you may need to shut off the mains water supply to your home. This prevents further leaks and ensures you can work safely.
Pro Tip: Turn on the taps in other parts of your home to confirm the water is properly shut off before proceeding.
2. Release Any Remaining Water
Once the water supply is off, turn the dripping tap on fully to drain any leftover water in the pipes. This step is crucial as it prevents water from spilling out while you’re working.
Tip: Place a towel or small bucket beneath the tap to catch any residual drips that may still occur.
3. Unscrew the Tap Cover
Carefully remove the decorative cover or handle of the tap to access its internal components. This step may require a screwdriver or adjustable wrench, depending on the type of tap. Be gentle to avoid scratching or damaging the tap’s surface.
Common mistake to avoid: Forgetting to cover the sink with a cloth or stopper can lead to small screws or parts falling down the drain. Always block the drain opening before dismantling the tap.
4. Replace the Old Washer
Locate the washer, which is typically found at the base of the tap’s mechanism. Inspect it for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. A broken or degraded washer is a frequent cause of dripping taps. Replace it with a new washer of the same size and type, ensuring a snug fit for an effective seal.
What you’ll need:
5. Reassemble the Tap
After replacing the washer, carefully reassemble the tap by securing the components back in place. Ensure everything is tightened properly but not overly as excessive force can damage the fittings.
Once reassembled, turn the water supply back on slowly. Test the tap by turning it on and off to ensure the dripping has stopped.
Sometimes a dripping tap may be caused by more complex issues, such as a faulty valve or internal corrosion, that a washer replacement alone won’t fix. If the tap continues to leak after you’ve followed these steps, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They can diagnose and repair deeper issues to prevent further water wastage.
When to Call a PlumberRepairing a dripping tap is a quick job for an experienced plumber, who should be familiar with virtually any tap and be able to diagnose the problem quickly.
Contact one of our experts who always carry the essential parts required to fix leaking taps. And if the tap does need replacing, our engineer will talk you through the options available and organise a fix date.
Leaky and faulty taps are amongst the most common domestic plumbing problems. If you need our local plumbers to fix your leaking tap for good, our experts are on hand to help 24/7/365. Metro Plumb offers free no-obligation quotations and estimates on all plumbing works across the UK. Contact our friendly team on 0808 250 9949 or book a repair slot with your local plumber.
A leaking tap is often caused by a worn or damaged rubber washer. Over time, washers can become porous due to limescale build-up or general wear and tear. Other common causes include clogged aerators, dirt in the valve bonnet or worn cartridges. Identifying the specific issue is key to resolving it quickly.
Simple tasks like replacing a worn washer or clearing a clogged aerator usually require basic tools and minimal experience. However, if the issue seems complex, professional tap repair is advisable.
No, turning off the water supply is essential to safely fix a dripping tap. This ensures there’s no risk of further leaks or flooding while you work. Once the water is off, you can disassemble the tap and carry out repairs.
Not always. While a faulty rubber washer is a frequent cause, other parts such as the valve bonnet, cartridge or aerator could be responsible. Inspecting the tap thoroughly can help pinpoint the exact issue.
Yes, a dripping tap should be addressed promptly. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water and increase your bills. Over time, they may also cause further wear or damage to the tap, leading to more expensive repairs.