Leaking or dripping taps aren’t just an annoyance, they can also waste a significant amount of water which can increase your water bills. With water being a precious resource, we should be careful not to waste it. However, we also understand that you may be apprehensive about paying a call-out fee for a plumber for a simple, dripping tap.
Fortunately, there are things you can do yourself to fix a drip without spending a lot of money. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to stop the drip yourself.
Common Causes of Dripping Taps
Before you start trying to do any DIY work you need to know the source of the problem. This is because the repairs will differ depending on what is causing the drip. Tapware is made up of different components, including washers, O-rings and valves which can wear out, break or corrode.
The minerals in our water can be corrosive to the metals and plastics inside tapware which can compromise the water-tight seal and allow water to drip when your tap is closed. Similarly, with constant use O-rings and washers can loosen and break the seal. Worn-out washers and O-rings are the most common causes of dripping taps, and fortunately, replacing them is a fairly simple undertaking.
Tools and Materials Required
If you’re going to attempt a DIY tap fix, you’ll need to gather or purchase some essential plumbing supplies. The most common tools that you will need to fix a leaky tap are pliers, a spanner or wrench and screwdrivers. It’s a good idea to get some old towels to mop up any water that may spill out during the repairs.
Additionally, if you are planning to replace the washer or O-ring you will need to purchase a repair kit from your local plumbing or hardware store.
Simple Repairs for Dripping Tapware
The first step when planning any plumbing repair is to shut off your water supply at the mains to prevent accidents or flooding. Next, as your pipes will often still have some water in them, you will need to open the tap to drain out any remaining water. Once you are confident that there’s no more water in your pipes you can start pulling your tap apart to complete the repairs.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to plug your sink or cover the drain hole with a towel to stop any components getting lost during disassembly.
Replacing Washers
To replace a worn-out washer, you will need to first pop the button off the top of the tap handle with a flathead screwdriver. Next, undo the screw to remove the handle, then use a spanner or wrench to remove the bonnet and access the valve. You should now be able to see the worn-out washer.
If it’s attached with a screw, unscrew it and then pull out the washer with a pair of pliers or tweezers. You can then use the new washer from a washer repair kit. However, it’s important to note that washers can come in different sizes, so you may need to take it to the hardware or plumbing store to size-match a new one.
You can then do all these steps in reverse to fix your tap: place or screw in the new washer and then reattach and fasten the bonnet, handle and button. Finish by turning back on the water supply and testing the tap for leaks.
Replacing O-Rings
Replacing the O-ring follows a similar procedure to above, start by removing the tap button and handle so you can access the cover plate. Depending on the type of tap you have, the cover may just come straight off, or you may need to unscrew it. Once the plate is removed, you will be able to access the spindle.
If the spindle is wet, it is a clear indication that your O-ring is worn out or corroded. If this is the case, you will need to use a spanner or wrench to unfasten the spindle. You should then be able to pull or cut the O-ring off with a pair of pliers.
Then you can replace the O-ring with a new one and reassemble your tap by working in reverse order again. Again, turn the water back on and test the tap for drips and leaks.
When Replacement May Be Necessary
If these fixes prove ineffective at stopping the drip you may need to replace the whole component. Fortunately, at Everhard Industries we have a wide range of high-quality tapware to suit your needs.
Our tapware is made from durable materials that will withstand heavy usage. We have a variety of mixer taps designed to suit bathrooms, kitchens and laundries, with gooseneck, flexible hose and pin handle designs.
So, if you have a stubborn dripping tap and you think it’s time for an upgrade, choose Everhard! Our tapware also comes with everything you need so you can even replace your tapware yourself.
Save Water and Money With Simple DIY Repairs
With these simple DIY tricks, you should be able to stop any annoying dripping tap, reduce your water wastage and bring your water bills back down to a reasonable level. Replacing washers, O-rings and even the entire tap are completely legal DIY jobs and are generally simple enough for even inexperienced DIYers to complete.
However, if you don’t feel confident or if the repairs are ineffective, it’s best to contact your local plumbing professional.