How to Fix a Leaky Tap in Sutherland Shire (In Easy Steps!)
It’s a tale as old as time, and still we get surprised when our kitchen or bathroom tap is suddenly leaky. Cue the annoying ‘drip, drip’...
Whilst we prefer when we’re called to fix these types of things (sometimes there might be other underlying issues you need to consider), you can try the below easy steps to see if you can rectify the issue by yourself. We’re never too far away, though!
First things first, let’s gather our tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Adjustable wrench (or spanner)
Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on your tap)
Replacement washers or cartridges (depending on your tap type, this could be O-ring)
Towel or rag
Penetrating oil (like WD-40) - just in case things get stubborn
Hot tip: Bunnings stocks tap repair kits for a range of issues - be sure to have a look at what’s on offer!
Got everything? Alrighty, let’s dive in!
Types of Taps
Traditional taps. In traditional water taps, the dripping is caused by a damaged washer that should be replaced.
Monobloc lever taps. In a Monobloc tap, leaking is probably caused by a damaged ceramic cartridge. Replacement is the ultimate solution. A ceramic cartridge is basically the more modern inner workings of the tap - usually quarter turn. The water is allowed through the valve by rotating one ceramic disc against another - they have butterfly shaped holes and as the holes align the water can pass through.
Step-by-Step Fix:
Turn Off the Water: Don’t want a mini flood in your bathroom, do you? Locate the shut-off valve under the sink and twist it clockwise until it’s tight. This is typically found around the front of your house or property, under a council cover plate. You can remove the cover plate by prying it open with a screwdriver, or if it's loose enough, simply lift it off. The valve will have a small handle.Give the tap a test to make sure the water’s off.
Cover Your Bases: Lay down a towel or rag beneath the sink to catch any drips and protect your floor from scratches. Also be sure to place a rag over the drain so you don’t accidentally lose any screws or any other important bits during the process!
Dismantle That Tap: Next up, you’ll want to look at removing the tap handle. Usually this can be done by lifting up a cover and removing the screw. Work slowly, as some handles may have a cover that needs to be gently pried off before accessing the securing screw. Use your adjustable wrench to gently loosen the tap’s bonnet nut (usually anti-clockwise). Once it’s loose, remove it and take off the tap handle. You might need to use a screwdriver for this part.
Get to the Guts: Now, you’ll see the tap’s internals exposed. If you’re dealing with an old-school tap, you’ll likely find a rubber washer that’s seen better days. Find the right sized washer in your kit and replace. Some have a small screw to remove. For newer taps, it might be a cartridge that needs replacing. To ensure a flawless and tight seal, it is crucial to check for any signs of wear, damage, or looseness in the O-rings or washers.
Swap Out the Culprit: Take out the old washer or cartridge and pop in the shiny new one. Make sure it’s seated properly and snug as a bug. Often a leaking tap can be caused by debris on the tap seat, or the tap seat itself can be quite damaged. Don’t worry! You won’t need to buy a whole new tap, you’ll just need to purchase a tap reseating tool (again, Bunnings will have you covered, plus, it’s a great tool that can be used on all the taps in the house and can save you some money on new taps in the future).
Put It Back Together: Once your new washer or cartridge is in place, reassemble the tap. Gently replace the cartridge or valve in its original location, making sure that it precisely aligns with the internal components of the tap. Screw the bonnet nut back on, then the tap handle - both clockwise now. Give everything a little twist with your wrench to make sure it’s snug but not too tight.
Turn the Water Back On: Gradually turn on the water supply and vigilantly check for any leaks around the reassembled components. If leaks persist, use the wrench to tighten the connections further.
No drips? Hooray! You’re done!
Tried the above and still no luck?
Living in the Sutherland Shire and dealing with a leaky tap? Don’t hesitate to call a plumber when the situation requires it. Call us to receive a free quote, we’ll check out the extent of the issue at hand and have your tap back to normal in no time.