A leaking tap is an annoying problem in a bathroom but also a waste of water that leads to a larger bill. A small leak can waste about 30-45 litres of water per day, resulting in more than 14,600 litres per year. This simple small leak is enough to cost you about £20 a year. When more important leaks occur, this loss can be up to more than £200. Money that you would have rather spent on something else. Here is how to fix a dripping tap.
It is possible to find what needs replacement based on where it’s leaking. If the water is leaking from the spout, you’ll probably need to replace the washer. If it leaks from underneath the handle, then the o-ring will need replacement.
A different method is used whether your tap uses a washer or ceramic discs. To tell which one is yours, give it a turn. If it only rotates a quarter or half then, it is a ceramic. If you can turn it further, then it is a traditional one. We will first start to explain how to fix a dripping tap with a compression valve.
Turn off the water
To turn the water off, you can usually find the valve underneath the sink. Then release the pressure in the pipes by draining off the water out of the tap. Run it until there is no water left. It could be smart to put the plug into the sink to avoid any small parts falling down the plughole.
Fix a compression valve tap
A compression valve is a device that controls the water flow inside the tap. For this type of tap, a rubber washer at the base of the valve forms a seal. To repair it, you will first need to find the screw that holds the tap together and loosen it for repair. This screw is often hidden under the hot and cold capes. You can usually remove the capes by hand or use a slot-head screwdriver and gently pop them off.
Take apart the tap
You will need to expose the valve to proceed to the reparation. Remove the handle to expose the valve, then use an adjustable spanner to unscrew it and remove. In most of the cases, the rubber washer is the one that needs replacement. To remove it, turn the valve with a screwdriver until you remove the washer. Once you have replaced the washer, screw back in the valve and tap handle.
Ceramic valve tap
Ceramic valve taps use ceramics discs rather than washers. To expose the valve, use the same process as with the compression valve tap. You may only need to clean to prevent it from leaking again. Now, in the case it is worn, replace it.
Replace the O-ring
The O-ring forms the seal at the base of the spout. To replace it, unscrew the grub screw, then carefully lift the spout off. The O-ring should be visible at the base. Loosen the O-ring and slide it off. Finally, just roll the replacement ring on and pop the spout back.
Now it is your turn, do not hesitate to ask us for further questions on how to fix a dripping tap.
