Stop a dripping tap before it causes damage

Introduction to dripping taps

A dripping tap is a common plumbing issue that many homeowners face.

While it may seem like a minor annoyance at first, a persistently leaking tap can lead to higher water bills, property damage, and unnecessary waste. That’s why it’s important not to ignore a dripping tap and have it repaired promptly by a professional Sydney plumber.

Over time, the rubber washers inside the tap’s valving system can wear down from regular use. Internal parts like the jumper valve or cartridge may simply need replacing due to age and wear.

Hard water mineral deposits can also cause corrosion and deterioration. Hard water mineral deposits can also cause corrosion and deterioration. There are a few reasons why taps may start to drip.

Even a minor drip can waste a substantial amount of water over days, weeks or months. A leak left unaddressed may also lead to water damage, mildew and mould growth. Rotting under sink cabinets or leaking on floors, walls and ceilings can lead to expensive repair work.

All those small drips add up, inflating your water bills.

Stopping a drip quickly is key to prevent unnecessary property damage and costs. If you notice a leaky tap in your Sydney home, contact a professional plumber to inspect and carry out any necessary repairs. They can identify the exact cause and remedy the problem properly with quality parts and expertise.

Common causes of dripping taps

There are several common culprits behind a dripping tap in your Sydney home:

• Worn washers – The rubber or plastic washers inside the tap’s valving system wear out over time. This allows water to slowly drip out around the valve seat.
• Corroded/damaged valve seats – Mineral deposits from hard water can corrode the valve seat, damaging its sealing surface. This prevents it from fully closing off the water flow.
• Faulty cartridge – Inside a tap’s cartridge are small rubber washers, springs and plastic valves that control water flow and mixing. These internal components eventually break down and lead to drips.
• Loose/damaged fittings – If the tap’s fittings connecting to water supply pipes are loose or corroded, this can cause water to leak out slowly.
• High water pressure – Excessive water pressure through the pipes can put strain on tap valves, causing drips even when the tap is turned off fully.

If you notice a persistent drip, contact a licenced Sydney plumber to inspect your tap and make any necessary repairs. They can identify the exact cause and remedy it properly to stop the annoying drip.

Damaged cartridge

A damaged tap cartridge is one of the most common reasons for a persistent drip. The cartridge contains little valves, washers and plastic parts that control the tap’s water flow and mixing. Over time, these components wear out or sustain damage.

Signs your cartridge is faulty include:

• Water drips out even when the tap is fully closed
• The tap handle feels loose or keeps moving
• Water flow is reduced
• Hot and cold water mix uncontrollably

Replacing a damaged cartridge is the best solution to stop the leak. Turn off the water supply valves under the sink before attempting cartridge replacement. Replacing a damaged cartridge is the best solution to stop the leak.

Cartridges are specific to the tap model, so take note of the brand and model.

Use a wrench to unscrew the cartridge retaining nut and pull the old cartridge out.

Clean the valve seats thoroughly before inserting the new replacement cartridge. Re-tighten the retaining nut and turn water supply back on to test. Contact a professional Sydney plumber if you have any difficulties changing the cartridge.

Pipe problems

Faulty pipes leading to and connecting your tap can also be a culprit behind leaks. Signs of potential pipe issues include:

• Leaks originating at pipe joints rather than the tap itself.
• Water spraying or squirting from joints when the tap is turned on.
• Low water flow or pressure from the tap.
• Knocking or hammering sounds in the pipes.
• Noticeable drops in water pressure throughout the home.

Corroded, damaged or improperly fitted pipes allow water to seep out around joints and connections. High water pressure can worsen leaks. Re-tightening fittings may temporarily stop drips, but worn washers or gaskets may need replacement.

If pipe issues are causing tap leaks, a plumber can identify problem areas. They may need to replace pipe sections or joints, re-fit connections and install pressure reducing valves if required. Proper pipe repairs will stop annoying drips and leaks.

High water pressure

Having excessively high water pressure feeding into your home’s taps can contribute to annoying drips and leaks. Too much pressure can strain the tap’s washers, valves and seals. Even when the tap is turned off fully, water may leak out slowly around worn parts.

Ideally, home water pressure should be between 40 and 60 PSI. Beyond 80 PSI is considered excessive. High pressure accelerates deterioration and leakage in taps and plumbing.

A professional Sydney plumber can check your home’s water pressure. They can install a pressure reducing valve if it’s too high. A professional Sydney plumber can check your home’s water pressure.

This regulates pressure down to safer levels to prevent strain on fixtures and minimise drips.

Your plumber may also advise replacing piping that’s too narrow in diameter to handle high pressure. Wider pipes can maintain optimal PSI to fixtures throughout the home.

Damaged valve seat

Damage to a tap’s valve seat can allow water to leak out slowly even when the tap is turned off completely. The valve seat is a plastic or brass ring with a smooth flat surface that seals against the tap’s washer or jumper valve to stop water flow.

Over time, the valve seat may get scratched, corroded or worn down due to mineral deposits and friction. This damages the smooth sealing surface, preventing a watertight seal with the washer/valve. Water can then drip out around the imperfections in the valve seat.

Replacing a damaged valve seat is often required to properly fix a leaky tap. Your Sydney plumber will first need to identify the tap model and source the correct replacement valve seat. They can then uninstall the old valve seat, clean out any debris and fit the new replacement part.

Regular tap servicing can help minimise valve seat damage. Your plumber may also recommend installing protective washers or jumper valves with harder, more durable surfaces to pair with the valve seat. Taking steps to reduce water pressure and corrosive minerals can also extend the valve seat’s lifespan.

Assessing if a dripping tap is a minor or major leak

When a tap is dripping, it can be tricky to determine if it’s a minor nuisance or a major problem requiring immediate repair. Here are some ways to evaluate the severity of a leaky tap:

• Check the drip rate - A minor drip may only be a few drops per minute, while a larger leak can fill a cup in the same timeframe.
• Note if the drip is constant or intermittent - A tap that drips constantly even when fully closed often indicates a bigger issue like a damaged valve seat.
• Monitor to see if the drip worsens over time - A minor drip may stay consistent, while a major leak tends to accelerate.
• Determine the leak location - Drips at the spout indicate an issue inside the tap, whereas leaks from pipe joints signal broader plumbing problems.
• Assess water pressure - Excessive pressure can exacerbate minor drips into bigger leaks.

If you notice a persistent, quickly worsening or heavy volume drip, this likely signifies a major leak requiring prompt repair by a plumber. But even minor drips should not be ignored as they can lead to higher water bills and potential water damage over time.

Temporary fixes for a dripping tap

While waiting for a plumber, there are a few temporary fixes you can try to stop a dripping tap:

• Tighten the tap’s packing nut under the handle. Give it a quarter turn with a wrench which can compress the washers and stem, sealing leaks temporarily.
• Clean around the tap spout and valves, removing any built-up mineral deposits. Hard water deposits can prevent proper sealing.
• Replace the tap’s washer with a similar sized rubber or fibre washer. Turn off water supply first and check the washer size.
• Wrap plumber’s tape around threaded connections to get a better seal.
• Place a container under the tap to catch drips until it can be properly repaired.

However take care not to overtighten parts which could lead to further damage. Major leaks will likely require professional repair services to identify and fix the underlying issue.

When professional help is needed

There are a few instances when it’s best to call in a professional plumber to fix a dripping tap, rather than trying DIY solutions:

• If you’ve tried the temporary fixes but the drip persists or worsens, the underlying problem likely requires a pro.
• For leaks originating from pipe joints or connections, a plumber can properly inspect and repair any issues.
• If the tap’s internal parts like washers, valves or cartridge need replacement, a plumber has the expertise to do this properly.
• They have the tools, parts and skills to make repairs you may not be equipped for as a DIYer.
• A pro can check for and address the root causes like high water pressure to prevent future leaks.
• Plumbers like Beecroft Plumbing can offer warranties for workmanship and parts.

Calling a qualified Sydney plumber provides confidence they will fix any dripping tap issues correctly and avoid further leaks or damage.

Potential complications from ignoring a leak

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Pipe corrosion

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Structural damage

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Conclusion

A persistently dripping tap should never be ignored as it can lead to unnecessary water wastage, higher bills, and potential water damage if left unaddressed. As outlined throughout this article, there are various common causes behind a leaking tap such as worn washers, damaged cartridges, pipe issues, high water pressure and corroded valve seats.

While temporary quick-fixes are available, they likely won’t resolve the root cause. Calling in a professional Sydney plumber is highly recommended to properly inspect the tap and conduct repairs to stop the leak fully. Licenced plumbers like Beecroft Plumbing have the expertise to identify issues and remedy them with quality parts and workmanship.

Getting tap leaks fixed promptly can prevent complications like pipe corrosion, leaks worsening over time, and structural damage across the home. By taking action quickly and hiring a qualified plumber for any necessary repairs, you can stop the annoying drip, avoid excessive water wastage and prevent further problems.