How To Fix Leaking Taps - A DIY Approach
Many people wonder just how to fix leaking taps. There are two common types of taps, the traditional taps and the Monobloc lever taps that control flow and temperature using a single handle.
It is good to mention that a traditional tap drips when the internal rubber washer or seal requires replacement. Monobloc lever taps feature a ceramic cartridge that you have to replace occasionally. If the Monobloc tap is more expensive, the replacement cartridges are harder to acquire and are more expensive.
Here Are Some Tips On How To Fix Leaking Taps
1. Determine Tap Type
Before you embark on the process of fixing a leaking tap, you need to know the exact type of tap that you are dealing with. This helps you determine the type of replacement hardware you require as well as the steps involved to get rid of the leakage.
It is good to not that compression taps tend to leak more often. Therefore, it is highly likely that if you have a leaking tap it is probably a compression tap. A compression tap will leak because of the wear and tear of O-rings, nuts, and washers.
Ball, Disc, and Cartridge taps also leak often. Disc taps leak if the inlet and outlet seals dry out or wear out. Sometimes, they leak because of sediment buildup. Ball taps leak once the O-ring or ball wear out. Cartridge taps leak once the cushioning for the O-ring wears out.
2. Turn Water Off
As soon as you have determined the type of tap you are dealing with you need to turn off the water at the stopcock. You should also turn off the isolation valve of the tap. In most taps, it is located on the supply pipes underneath the sink. Once you have turned it off, you then need to turn on your tap to release water that remains in the top of the pipe.
3. Find The Screw Inside
You need to find the screw inside your taps handle that holds the complete tap. In most of the taps, it is right under the decorative cap of the taps handle. Sometimes, it is possible to unscrew the decorative cap by hand. In other instances, you can use a slot headed screwdriver or an adjustable spanner. When dealing with a Monobloc lever tap you may need to enter via a small grub screw located under the hot or cold indicator button.
4. Reveal The Brass Spindle or Valve
Place a plug in the sink. Then, remove the screw and tap head. The tap head is the part of the tap you turn to make the water come out. Remove any metal covering that covers the neck of the tap. Doing this will allow you to reveal a brass spindle or valve.
5. Fix and Reassemble
Here, you will need an adjustable spanner to help you hold the hexagonal nut and unscrew the spindle. Use the other hand to brace the tap sprout. This will help prevent the tap from twisting and bending the taps below. While the top washer is regarded as on O-ring, the bottom one resembles a polo.
Take the spindle to a professional and request for the right washer. Alternatively, you could choose from a wide range of washers in a store. Because they do not cost much, you can replace them both. Once you have fitted the new washers properly, reassemble the tap, and turn the isolation valve on.
Whether it is the sound of a dripping tap that annoys you or the constant stagnation of water under the sink, dripping taps are always a bother. If you leave it unresolved, it can potentially cause serious damage. Luckily, it is easy to put an end to leakage of taps.
In case the tap still leaks after your hard work, the problem may be corrosion of the valve seal. If left uncleaned for long it can cause constant leakage near the spout. Other reasons may include worn out seals, old parts, or just old plumbing that requires fixing by a professional.
In conclusion, it is hoped that you have been following the tips on how to fix leaking taps provided in this article. However, if all your DIY works proves unsuccessful or it is simply too complicated for you to understand then you need to contact a professional plumber to come help you out.
It is good to mention that a traditional tap drips when the internal rubber washer or seal requires replacement. Monobloc lever taps feature a ceramic cartridge that you have to replace occasionally. If the Monobloc tap is more expensive, the replacement cartridges are harder to acquire and are more expensive.
Here Are Some Tips On How To Fix Leaking Taps
1. Determine Tap Type
Before you embark on the process of fixing a leaking tap, you need to know the exact type of tap that you are dealing with. This helps you determine the type of replacement hardware you require as well as the steps involved to get rid of the leakage.
It is good to not that compression taps tend to leak more often. Therefore, it is highly likely that if you have a leaking tap it is probably a compression tap. A compression tap will leak because of the wear and tear of O-rings, nuts, and washers.
Ball, Disc, and Cartridge taps also leak often. Disc taps leak if the inlet and outlet seals dry out or wear out. Sometimes, they leak because of sediment buildup. Ball taps leak once the O-ring or ball wear out. Cartridge taps leak once the cushioning for the O-ring wears out.
2. Turn Water Off
As soon as you have determined the type of tap you are dealing with you need to turn off the water at the stopcock. You should also turn off the isolation valve of the tap. In most taps, it is located on the supply pipes underneath the sink. Once you have turned it off, you then need to turn on your tap to release water that remains in the top of the pipe.
3. Find The Screw Inside
You need to find the screw inside your taps handle that holds the complete tap. In most of the taps, it is right under the decorative cap of the taps handle. Sometimes, it is possible to unscrew the decorative cap by hand. In other instances, you can use a slot headed screwdriver or an adjustable spanner. When dealing with a Monobloc lever tap you may need to enter via a small grub screw located under the hot or cold indicator button.
4. Reveal The Brass Spindle or Valve
Place a plug in the sink. Then, remove the screw and tap head. The tap head is the part of the tap you turn to make the water come out. Remove any metal covering that covers the neck of the tap. Doing this will allow you to reveal a brass spindle or valve.
5. Fix and Reassemble
Here, you will need an adjustable spanner to help you hold the hexagonal nut and unscrew the spindle. Use the other hand to brace the tap sprout. This will help prevent the tap from twisting and bending the taps below. While the top washer is regarded as on O-ring, the bottom one resembles a polo.
Take the spindle to a professional and request for the right washer. Alternatively, you could choose from a wide range of washers in a store. Because they do not cost much, you can replace them both. Once you have fitted the new washers properly, reassemble the tap, and turn the isolation valve on.
Whether it is the sound of a dripping tap that annoys you or the constant stagnation of water under the sink, dripping taps are always a bother. If you leave it unresolved, it can potentially cause serious damage. Luckily, it is easy to put an end to leakage of taps.
In case the tap still leaks after your hard work, the problem may be corrosion of the valve seal. If left uncleaned for long it can cause constant leakage near the spout. Other reasons may include worn out seals, old parts, or just old plumbing that requires fixing by a professional.
In conclusion, it is hoped that you have been following the tips on how to fix leaking taps provided in this article. However, if all your DIY works proves unsuccessful or it is simply too complicated for you to understand then you need to contact a professional plumber to come help you out.
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