The most common issue that we observe at home is the leakage of water taps. This could be an inconvenience for homeowners or even a major headache. When you know the causes responsible for water tap leaking, you can prevent a substantial debacle.
Here in this article, we will show you some reasons for leaky taps as well as how to fix them.
Water creates a force to come out of that tap and creates a leak - and money comes out of your wallet. They may damage water lines as well. Homeowners need to know what causes a tap to leak so they can deal with it without further ado. In this blog, we are going to share the common reasons for leaking taps.
Worn Out Washers:
What are Washers?
Washers are tiny, flat circles. Water faucets and fill holes from which they do not come out, sitting inside the tap to make a lid of the water flow.
How Do They Work?
The washer presses against the valve seat when the tap is off. This prevents the flow of water.
Why Do They Wear Out?
Due to the daily use, washers get worn out. Every time you turn on that valve, they scuff against the valve seat. This friction creates wear on the washer over time.
Signs of Worn Washers
One of the most common signs of water tap leaking is a leaking faucet. The tap may be in the closed position, but the water could still want to escape.
Solution
• Replace the washer.
• This is a simple solution, but you will need some basic tools.
• Start by turning off the water supply.
Faulty Valve Seat:
What is the Valve Seat?
A tap's valve seat is where it joins with the spout. When used to turn off the tap, it creates a good seal.
How Does it Get Damaged?
In the long run, water also leaves mineral deposits behind that can erode the valve seat. These leaks are due to this corrosion.
Signs of a Faulty Valve Seat
The water may be coming out around the base of the spout. That means your valve seat would not be good. This can also be a sign of some rust or mineral buildup around the place.
Solution
• Replace or clean the check seat.
• Take it off using a valve seat wrench. (Are you still getting salt deposits?)
• A thorough cleaning should be done
• Or they need to be replaced entirely
O-Ring Problems
What is an O-Ring?
An O-ring is a type of rubber ring. It sits to the inside of the tap, and it creates a watertight closure.
How Does it Get Damaged?
O-rings can become brittle or wear prematurely. This frequently occurs due to daily use and being wet.
Signs of O-Ring Problems
Hence, if you still get some drip out when allowing the tap handle to turn ON, it probably comes because of the defective O-ring.
Solution
• Replace the O-ring. This is a simple job.
• Just remember, it is the size you have to purchase.
Loose Parts
Why Do Parts Become Loose?
Taps have many small parts. When used regularly, this is one thing that can cause the parts to become loose over time. Because of daily use, it may also not be all wide secured due to an installation.
Signs of Loose Parts
If you notice water seeping around the handle or base of a tap, it is likely indicative of loose parts. There could also be some wobbling of the handle.
Solution
• Tighten any loose parts.
• Tighten them with a wrench to the tread depth.
• If a component is damaged, swap it out.
Corrosion
What Causes Corrosion?
Water causes the metal to rust due to minerals present in it. These minerals will eventually eat through the metal components.
Signs of Corrosion
Unless you turn the tap off, it leaves behind rusty or greenish deposits, which are signs of corrosion. With the corroded tap, you would also find it to leak from various regions.
Solution
• Replace corroded parts.
• In the case of an even worse problem, a new tap is probably in order.
Worn Out Seals
What are Seals?
Seals are the parts in taps that enable them not to let water pass by. Usually constructed from rubber or similar substances.
How Do Seals Wear Out?
Surely, because of the friction, these seals wear off and the exposure to water all the time. However, over time, they can crack or break.
Signs of Worn-Out Seals
Water flowing from either the spout or at the base of the tap makes it appear worn seal. The tap can even be difficult to turn right off.
Solution
• Replace the seals.
• This may require removing the tap, so look up a guide if need be.
High Water Pressure
How Does Water Pressure Affect Taps?
Higher water pressure will put more wear and tear on the components in your tap. Eventually, this strain may lead to leaks.
Signs of High Water Pressure
A leaky tap will have a hammering sound. If it won't stop even after the part is replaced, check the water pressure.
Solution
• Install a pressure reducer.
• This is a system that reduces the pressure of water before entering your house.
Improper Installation
Is Taps Affected By Installation?
Taps can leak from installation issues. It could be caused by loose connections or misaligned parts.
Tell Tale Signs of Incorrect Installation
An incorrectly installed tap will leak from day one. Water can also start leaking from absurd places.
Solution
• Reinstall the tap.
• Check that all the parts are straight and properly fixed.
• Make sure to read the installation instructions properly.
Why Hire a Plumber?
A plumber is someone who can seriously help with your water tap leaks and other serious plumbing issues. Plumbers know their stuff and can provide solutions while considering a range of things. It reduces the chance of creating a bigger mess. This simply means they apply the correct tools and approaches to complete your project in seconds. It saves a lot of time and prevents many expensive mistakes.
Not to mention that a professional plumber can also find problems that the layman may not see. They even ensure that all of the renovations satisfy local building codes. Finally, employing the best plumber Singapore secures your house and improves your home’s value with genuine fixes.
Conclusion
However, a water tap leak is one of the most common issues for multiple reasons. Some wear-out washers. Others have faulty valve seats and high water pressure. Homeowners must be aware of the causes so they can quickly fix a leak.
Common fixes can correct the issue, but if the problem persists, you should seek assistance from a certified plumber. The sooner you act, the better off you will be, and less water will be wasted. Proper installation by a skilled professional and regular maintenance can also ensure that taps function leak-free.
Also Check: Ensuring Seamless Plumbing Services in Singapore: Your Dependable Plumber Near You