A leaking tap doesn’t just disrupt the rhythm of your day. It’s also a waste of water and causes a painful irritating rise to your water bill. Luckily for you, fixing a leaking or dripping tap can often be a simple DIY project. You just need a few basic tools and some rudimentary knowledge about plumbing, and we’re here to provide that to you.

Here is a guide we have prepared to help you fix a leaky tap. So you can stop that ‘dripping noise’ from spoiling your focus, and get back to enjoying what you’re doing in peace.

Most Common Causes of a Leaking Tap

Leaking taps can be caused by several issues, but most often, the problem lies within the tap’s internal components:

Worn-Out Washer: This is the most common culprit behind a dripping tap. The washer presses against the valve seat, and over time, it can wear out or become stiff, causing water to leak.
Faulty O-Ring: The O-ring seals the joint between the tap’s body and its spindle. If this ring deteriorates, it can lead to a leak from the handle.
Corroded Valve Seat: The valve seat can become corroded, which might also cause the tap to leak. If the valve seat is not smooth, the washer cannot form a tight seal, resulting in a drip.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Leaking Tap

Step 1: Diagnose the Issue 

Before anything, determine where the leak is coming from. Is your tap leaking from the spindle or perhaps it’s a worn-out dripping tap washer that’s causing the issue? Identifying the source of the leak will guide you on what parts need replacing.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Parts 

You’ll need a few essential tools to fix a leaking tap, including:

  • Adjustable wrenches or spanners
  • Screwdrivers
  • Replacement washers and O-rings
  • Possibly a new valve seat if it’s corroded

Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply 

Ensure the mains water supply is off before starting your repair. This prevents any further leaking or flooding while you work.

Step 4: Disassemble the Tap 

Carefully remove the tap handle and cover plate to access the internal components. This might involve unscrewing a small screw on the handle or lifting off the decorative cap.

Step 5: Replace the Faulty Parts 

Once you’ve exposed the inside of the tap, replace the necessary parts:

  • If the tap keeps dripping, replace the washer attached to the jumper valve.
  • If the tap is leaking from the spindle or handle, replace the O-ring.
  • Check the valve seat for any damage; if it’s corroded, it may also need replacing.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test the Tap 

After replacing the parts, reassemble the tap and turn on the water supply. Check to ensure the leaking or dripping has stopped.

Preventing Future Leaks

Here’s some tips for maintaining your taps, so you can prevent future leaks:

  • Regularly check and replace worn-out parts like washers and O-rings.
  • Clean your taps to prevent mineral build-up, which can damage internal components.
  • If a tap starts to drip, don’t ignore it. Fixing a dripping tap promptly can prevent other issues from forming. It also saves you more on your water bill. 

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While many leaking taps can be fixed at home, sometimes this issue requires professional attention. If you’ve attempted a repair but your tap keeps dripping, or if the tap is leaking from an unidentified source, it might be time to call in a professional. Response Plumbing Melbourne offers expert leaking tap repair services that are both efficient and cost-effective.

It’s Time to Fix That Tap

Fixing a leaking or dripping tap is a valuable skill that can save water and reduce your utility bills. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can tackle most common tap issues yourself. 

When a DIY fix isn’t enough for your leaky tap, remember Response Plumbing Melbourne is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing dependable solutions to ensure your home’s bathroom, kitchen and outdoor plumbing is in top condition.

FAQs

How to stop a dripping tap without a washer?

If you find yourself with a dripping tap and no replacement washer on hand, a temporary fix can involve using plumbing tape or a piece of rubber cut to fit where the washer would normally go. Wrap the plumbing tape around the valve stem or place the rubber piece inside the valve seat, and reassemble the tap. This can provide a temporary seal to stop the drip until you can obtain a proper replacement washer.

How to fix a tap leaking from the handle?

A leak from the tap handle usually indicates a faulty O-ring. To fix this:

  1. Turn off the water supply and disassemble the handle to expose the O-ring at the base of the handle’s stem.
  2. Remove the old O-ring and replace it with a new one of the same size.
  3. Lubricate the new O-ring with silicone-based lubricant to ensure a smooth fit and reassemble the tap.
  4. Turn on the water and check if the leak persists. If it does, ensure the O-ring is correctly seated and that there are no other damaged parts.