A leaking tap is annoying at best and disastrous at worst. Not only does it waste precious water, it can also cost you a lot, financially. If you don’t fix a leaking tap immediately, you’re likely to end up paying a substantial amount of money on your next water bill. Left unattended, it can even lead to additional problems in your home like water stains, premature deterioration of tile grout, floor and wall water damage, and mould infestation.
As such, you have every reason to fix that leaking tap as soon as possible. You can do this on your own or call a leaking taps repair specialist who can do the job for you.
Reasons Behind a Leaking Tap
The first step in fixing a leaking tap is to figure out the reason behind it. Most of the time, it’s caused by worn out parts. In standard taps, the washer, O-ring, or jumper valve are the usual culprits. If you have a newer faucet model, make sure to check the ceramic disc if it’s scratched. Do note that ball-type taps are more prone to damage compared to disc or compression styles, since ball-type taps have more moving parts. You might want to consider switching to other kinds of faucets to prevent leaks in the future.
Other things that could cause your taps to leak include a damaged valve seat, too-strong water pressure, and pipe problems. When checking for pipe damage, make sure to check other pipes in your home and not just those that lead to the tap. Doing so might lead you to discover leaks in other locations like your hot water tank, allowing you to account for all of the pipe-related problems you are experiencing.
How Do You Fix a Leaking Tap?
More often than not, you can fix leaking tap with parts and tools that you can easily purchase at a neighbourhood hardware store. As long as you know what kind of faucet you have and which parts need replacing, you can do the repairs on your own. One good tip, especially for those new to DIY tap repairs, is to take a photo of each step as you disassemble the tap. This way, you have a guide when it’s time to put the pieces back together. Of course, don’t forget to turn off the water to your faucet before you start working. You should also plug the drain so a screw or washer doesn’t accidentally fall into the pipes.
Should You DIY or Call a Plumber?
Online step-by-step tutorials and videos make fixing a leaking tap seem so easy. However, if you aren’t careful, you might cause bigger plumbing problems. You might think that you’re saving a lot of money by doing it yourself, but you could end up spending more. That’s why it’s still best to contact a professional plumber to help you deal with leaking faucets—especially if you still haven’t figured out what’s causing the leaks in the first place.
Services from licenced plumbers can cost an average of $60 to about $150 for leaking taps and toilets. These rates can go up or down depending on the extent of damage that has to be fixed. If you think these prices are expensive, remember that you’re paying for the plumber’s expertise. What might take you hours to fix could take a professional just 30 minutes or less. You’re also guaranteed a higher quality of work and therefore, peace of mind that the repaired tap will stay in good shape for longer.
Water taps are an essential part of your home or commercial property. You need it for personal hygiene, food preparation, and cleaning. If you leave leaking taps unattended, pretty soon, you’ll have a full-blown plumbing emergency. So, don’t wait! Call your trusted plumbing contractor, and have the problem fixed immediately.