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How to fix a dripping tap?

September 8, 2021

Mitchel Plumbing Gas

How to fix a dripping tap?

As a young child, I was always fascinated by the world of plumbing. My parents would often find me in the bathroom, watching as my father fixed the sink or the toilet. I was amazed by how he could take something that didn't work and make it work again. It was like magic to me.


Now that I am an adult, I still find myself interested in plumbing. And, while I'm not quite as fascinated by it as I was as a child, I do enjoy fixing things around the house myself. So, when I recently discovered that my kitchen tap was dripping, I knew that I had to figure out how to fix it myself.


The first thing that I did was to try to figure out what was causing the tap to drip. I knew that there must be something that was causing the water to leak out, and I wanted to find out what it was.

1. What causes a tap to drip?


There are several reasons why a tap might drip. The most common cause is a problem with the washer. The washer is a small rubber disc that sits between the handle and the spout. Over time, these washers can become worn out or damaged, which will cause them to leak.


Another common cause of dripping taps is a build-up of mineral deposits. These deposits can come from the water itself or from other substances that get into the water. Over time, these deposits can build up and cause the tap to drip. In some areas, hard water is a problem. This water contains high levels of minerals, which can build up and cause the tap to drip.


Finally, temperature changes can also cause the tap to drip. This is because the metal components of the tap expand and contract as the temperature changes. This expansion and contraction can cause the seals to break, which will allow water to leak out.


2. Will a dripping tap get worse?

A dripping tap will not usually get worse over time. However, if the problem is not fixed, the water that is leaking out can cause damage to the surrounding area. In some cases, a dripping tap can cause the formation of mould or mildew.  If the water is left to leak for a long period of time, it can also cause the formation of rust.


3. What is the most common cause of a leaky dripping two handle faucet?

The most common cause of a leaky dripping two handle faucet is a problem with the washer. As mentioned above, the washer is a small rubber disc that sits between the handle and the spout.


4. Is a dripping tap an emergency?

A dripping tap is not usually an emergency. However, if the problem is not fixed, the water that is leaking out can cause damage to the surrounding area. In some cases, a dripping tap can cause the formation of mould or mildew. If the water is left to leak for a long period of time, it can also cause the formation of rust.


A good example of a plumbing emergency would be a burst pipe. A burst pipe can cause extensive damage to your home and can lead to flooding. If you have a burst pipe, you should call a plumber immediately.

5. Does a dripping tap cost money?

A dripping tap can actually save you money. When a tap drips, it is wasting water. This means that you are paying for water that you are not using. In most cases, it is actually cheaper to fix the dripping tap than it is to keep paying for the water that is being wasted.


For example, if your tap is dripping at a rate of one drip per second, you are wasting approximately 3,000 litres of water per year. If your water bill in Australia is $2.50 per 1,000 litres, you are paying an extra $7.50 per year just for the water that is being wasted.


6. How do I fix a dripping tap?

There are several ways to fix a dripping tap. In most cases, the problem is with the washer. The first step is to turn off the water to the tap. This can usually be done by turning the knob on the side of the tap. Once the water is off, you can remove the handle and access the washer.


If the washer is damaged, you will need to replace it. Washers can be bought at most hardware stores. If the washer is not damaged, you can try cleaning it. In some cases, a build-up of mineral deposits can cause the washer to leak. By cleaning the washer, you may be able to remove the deposits and fix the leak.


If the problem is not with the washer, it may be with the O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber ring that sits between the handle and the spout. Over time, these rings can become damaged or dried out. This can cause them to leak. Replacing the O-ring is usually a simple process and can be done without the help of a plumber.


7. How do I prevent my tap from dripping?

The best way to prevent your tap from dripping is to maintain it on a regular basis. This means that you should clean the washers and O-rings on a regular basis. You should also check the condition of the washers and O-rings periodically. If they are damaged or worn, you should replace them.


You should also avoid using harsh chemicals on your taps. These chemicals can damage the washers and O-rings, and will eventually lead to a dripping tap.


So When do I need to call a plumber?

If you have tried all of the above methods and your tap is still dripping, you may need to call a plumber. In some cases, the problem may be with the pipes. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.


If you need Plumbing services in Brisbane, contact us at Mitchell Plumbing and Gas. We provide a wide range of plumbing services, including tap repairs. Call us today on 1300 730 896 to book a service.


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