Home / How to Stop a Dripping Mixer Tap
A dripping mixer tap isn’t just a minor annoyance, instead, it can cause bigger problems over time. The wasted water may slowly increase your bills. On top of that, the constant drip can damage your sink area.
Fortunately, most dripping taps can be fixed either by the user or by a professional plumber from a tap installation service. Let’s look at the steps involved in repairing a leak and how to decide whether you should tackle the repair yourself or call in a professional.
Most mixer taps are leaking drips regularly because the internal parts have been gradually worn out. Washers and O-rings are tiny parts that ensure a seal inside the tap. If such parts become stiff, crack, or wear out, the water will find its way through the tap even if it is turned off. There can also be a situation when certain parts are loose or corroded. Limescale accumulation is another leading cause of trouble, particularly in areas with hard water. Appliances with mixer taps of the latest design generally use cartridges for the flow of water. The failure of a cartridge is a road to a continuous drip.
When the dripping from your tap happens solely after the shut-off, the issue is generally related to the cartridge, washer, or O-ring. A frequent drip can lead to the assumption that the problem with the tap body is quite a bit larger and that a replacement or a more careful leaking tap repair will be necessary.
Before any fixing, the water supply should definitely be stopped. Look for the valves under the sink and completely shut them off. Open the tap to ensure that all the water has been released. It is a method of turning the area into a dry place for work and, at the same time, making it safer to handle the parts. Always ensure your safety and confirm that the water is off before you dismantle the tap.
Read More: Top 5 Signs Your Tap Needs Repair
For most leaks, a leaking tap repair made by a few simple tools is sufficient, e.g., usually only a screwdriver is needed for taking off the handle, and when you are loosening nuts and bolts, a tool like an adjustable spanner will do the work for you. Mopping up leakages in your tap might require you to have replacement washers, O-rings, or even a new cartridge. It would be better to have a small container or a cloth to collect the water that may spill during the repair. It is very necessary to know the difference between the cartridge and the traditional washer system before buying parts, so that the replacements are the correct ones.
Begin the process of leaking tap repair by taking off the tap handle. Certain handles come with a tiny screw concealed underneath a decorative cap or on the side. Unscrew it with care and put it aside. Carefully remove the handle. After that, change out the cartridge or valve. You might also need a spanner for this step. Record the way the parts were disassembled so you can put them back the right way.
Check every part thoroughly. Change a worn washer, O-ring, or seal if you found any. In the case of cartridge taps, it might be necessary to change the cartridge altogether. Limescale and dirt inside the tap can stop it from sealing properly and may also be the reason for the leak. Usually, cleaning with a cloth or soaking in vinegar for a while works well.
Once the worn parts were removed and the tap cleaned, put the tap back together. Before the handle is put back, for proper fitting and alignment, ensure that everything is in place. Open the water supply slowly and check the tap. The majority of leaks are solved when the washers, O-rings, or cartridges have been properly replaced.
Read More: Kitchen Sink Repair: Common Issues and Fixes
Not every tap can be repaired in a simple manner. In a case when, after changing the washers or the cartridge, the tap keeps dripping, you need to get in touch with a tap installation service provider.
It is also a good idea to ask a professional for help if the pipes under the sink are leaking or damaged. If you do not feel confident in taking apart the tap, a professional can make the job quicker and prevent the occurrence of accidental damage. The professionals can quickly pinpoint the leak source and fix it properly. They can also do the replacements of old taps with the latest models if the repairs are not economically feasible.
Once the tap has been repaired, a few easy steps can help lower the possibility of leaks in the future. Do not by any means overtighten the tap, as the washers and seals may get damaged due to your efforts to turn the tap off. To avoid limescale buildup, make sure to clean your taps regularly. Partially check washers and cartridges, and exchange them if it is necessary. In case you are getting a new tap, the use of a tap installation service will make sure that the fitting is done properly, and there will be no leaks occurring at the early stages.
Dripping mixer taps that seem insignificant can, however, waste large quantities of water over time. The majority of leaks have their origin in a worn washer, an O-ring, or a cartridge, and these parts can usually be replaced by using basic tools and being careful with the work.
Many homeowners are able to make a leaking tap repair as a DIY project. But, when the tap is still dripping after a few repair attempts or you lack the confidence to repair, a tap installation service is the answer that will give you the peace of a permanent fix. Early leak fixes can cut water wastage and also keep the home free from the risk of the sink area getting damaged and the tap not functioning properly.
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