We don’t know about you, but if there’s anything that’s keeping us at night it’s the sound of water droplets hitting the sink. It’s torture. But, it’s not like the only problem with a leaky tap is the annoyingly piercing sound it makes at night.
With all that wasted water, this one’s also not that great for the environment and it will put a significant strain on your wallet. And, if you leave it unattended, you can expect to spend more money on replacing an entire faucet and pray to god that you don’t get any water damage from major leaks because that’s definitely going to hurt. Not in a literal sense, but if you’re anything like us – it’ll hurt when you spend money you didn’t have to.
However, complaining about wasting money isn’t why we’re here. No. We’re here to talk about common causes of these leaks and how to fix them. By learning that, we’ll never have complained about throwing money down the drain again. Sounds good? Okay, let’s go then.
1. Faulty Installation
This is, by far, the most common cause of a leaking tap. If you’ve just had your faucets installed – check if they were properly done. Because, if not, it will cause all sorts of leaks and other problems that you definitely don’t want to deal with.
The thing is, if the installation wasn’t carried out correctly in the first place, it’s only a matter of time before something starts going wrong. So, it’s always best to check and make sure that everything was done right and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Defective Parts
Even the best quality taps and faucets can have defective parts that cause leaks. So, if you’ve been dealing with a leaky tap for a while and you can’t seem to figure out what’s causing it, it might be time to replace some of the parts.
A good place to start would be with the washer or an o-ring. In most cases, a leaking tap is caused by a worn-out or damaged washer or an o-ring. So, if you think that might be the problem, all you have to do is replace it. Easy peasy.
3. Hard Water Build-Up
If you live in an area with hard water, then that’s probably the cause of your leaking taps. The thing is, over time, hard water can build up on the surface of your taps and faucets and cause them to leak.
To fix this, all you need to do is clean the taps on a regular basis and make sure that there’s no build-up of hard water. You can use a soft cloth and some vinegar to do this. Just soak the cloth in vinegar and then use it to wipe down the taps. Just don’t mix baking soda and vinegar because you’ve seen it on TikTok because that doesn’t work. Stick with the vinegar.
4. Rust And Corrosion
Another common cause of leaking taps is rust and corrosion. This is usually caused by old or damaged parts that have been exposed to the elements for too long. And, the “best” part about this is you’ll be able to see it. All it’ll take is to unscrew a few fittings and take a look. You won’t be able to miss rust.
So, if you’ve concluded that rust and corrosion are the problem, then you’ll need to replace the affected parts. Don’t try and fix them. You won’t be able to. Just go shopping replacement parts at your local hardware store or read more here on what you can do.
5. Loose Fittings Or Joints
Nothing good can come out of something loose – especially when we’re talking plumbing. So, if you have a leaking tap, one of the first things you should check is the fittings and joints. If they’re loose, then that’s probably the cause of the leak.
In order to fix this annoyance, all you need to do is tighten the fittings and joints. You can usually do this with your hands, but if they’re really tight, you might need to use a wrench. Either way, you’ll fix the issues in a few seconds.
6. Damage Caused By Wear And Tear
Wear and tear is the worst enemy of any home appliance. It’s just the way it is. Stuff gets old over the years and the only thing you can do about it is get up and get new stuff.
So, if you think this might be the problem, then it’s time to replace the affected parts. As expected, you can find replacement parts at your local hardware store.
7. Pressure Problems
Another cause of leaking taps is pressure problems. If the water pressure in your home is too high, it can cause the taps and faucets to leak. You’ll know that this is going on if your faucet’s leaking only at certain times.
To fix this, you’ll need to adjust the water pressure regulator. This is usually located near the main water shut-off valve. Once you’ve found it, just turn it clockwise to reduce the pressure or counterclockwise to increase it, depending on your problem.
When Should You Call A Plumber?
There are some cases where a leaking tap is simply too much for us to handle and we need to call in professionals. If you’re dealing with any of the following problems, then it’s time to give your local plumber a call:
- You can’t find the source of the leak.
- The leak is coming from the pipes or fittings.
- The problem is with the main water shut-off valve.
- You don’t have the necessary tools or knowledge to fix the problem.
If you’re dealing with any of these problems, then it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to deal with these kinds of problems quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
There you have it – the top 8 causes of leaking taps and how to fix them. So, the next time you’re dealing with a leaky tap, you’ll know exactly what to do. Just remember, if the problem is too much for you to handle, don’t hesitate to call a plumber. They’ll be more than happy to help you out!
