When you're trying to enjoy a quiet moment or drift off to sleep, the persistent sound of a dripping tap can feel like someone repeatedly tapping on your shoulder. Beyond the annoyance, a dripping tap can waste a significant amount of water, adding unnecessary cost to your water bill and strain on our environment. Understanding what causes a tap to drip and how to fix it can not only restore your peace but also be a small, positive step toward water conservation.
What Causes a Tap to Drip?
A dripping tap is often caused by wear and tear on the tap’s internal mechanisms. Here are the common culprits:
1. Worn Washer
The most frequent offender in a traditional compression tap is the rubber washer. Over time, the constant pressure and friction caused by turning the tap on and off can degrade the washer, leading to a poor seal and resultant drip.
2. Damaged Valve Seat
The valve seat serves as the connection between the tap and the spout. Water sediments can corrode this component, which may cause leakage around the spout area.
3. Faulty O-ring
This is a small disc attached to the stem screw that holds the handle of the tap in place. A loose or worn O-ring can cause the tap to leak near the handle.
4. Old Cartridge
Mixer taps often use a cartridge system that can wear out and need replacing. Since these don’t use washers, the entire cartridge will need to be replaced if it starts to let water through.
How to Identify the Type of Your Dripping Tap
Before you can fix a dripping tap, you need to identify the type you have, which determines the mechanism it uses. The most common types in homes include:
- Compression Taps have separate handles for hot and cold and work by compressing a washer against a valve seat.
- Ball Taps use a single handle that moves over a rounded ball-shaped cap right above the base of the spout.
- Cartridge Taps can have one or two handles but do not require the turning pressure like compression taps.
- Ceramic Disc Taps have a single lever and use two ceramic discs that slide over each other to control the flow of the water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Dripping Tap
Repairing a dripping tap primarily involves replacing the part that has worn out. Here’s a general guide you can follow, focusing particularly on a common scenario involving a compression tap:
- Turn Off the Water Supply
Ensure the water supply is turned off before you begin the repair. This is usually done by turning the valves under the sink clockwise.
- Plug the Drain
Use a sink plug or a rag to block the drain. This prevents any small parts like screws or washers from being lost down the drain.
- Remove the Tap Handle
Most taps have a cover at the top of the handle. Pry this off with a screwdriver and use a wrench to loosen and remove the nut beneath.
- Replace the Faulty Part
- For a worn washer: Remove the old washer and replace it with a new one.
- For a damaged O-ring: Remove the stem and replace the O-ring.
- For a problematic cartridge or ceramic discs: Remove the entire unit and replace with an exact new one.
- Reassemble the Tap
Once the replacement is done, reassemble the parts in reverse order.
- Test Your Repair
Turn the water supply back on and test how the tap operates. Ensure there are no leaks.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY may be suitable for minor repairs, there are situations when calling a professional is advisable:
- If the tap continues to drip despite a new washer or cartridge.
- If there’s reduced water pressure alongside the dripping.
- If there are multiple leaking taps in your home, suggesting a larger pressure system issue.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
To extend the life of your taps and avoid frequent repairs:
- Regularly clean your taps to prevent sediment build-up.
- Periodically check and replace any worn parts before they start causing issues.
- Avoid turning the taps off with excessive force.
Conclusion
Fixing a dripping tap is not only about silencing an irritating sound but also about conserving water and saving money. Most dripping issues can be handled with some basic DIY skills. However, don’t hesitate to call in a professional if the problem persists or seems complex. This way, you ensure that the repair is durable and efficient, keeping your tap in good working order for years to come.
