Every homeowner will, at some point or another, have to deal with a leaking tap. Years of constant use eventually results in a worn seal, and with high pressure, it doesn’t take much to create a drip or two. One thing is for sure, the leak is not going to miraculously heal itself, and sooner or later, it needs to be addressed. If you have yet to experience a leaking tap, here are a few tips to help with a quick fix.
- Assess The Situation – If the tap has seen better days, you might be better off replacing it (or both if it is a pair). Yes, you can repair it, but if the tap will be replaced anytime soon, save on the repair cost and invest in a new one. You could replace it with a Franke boiling water tap, or a stylish mixer unit, and with an online supplier, you are likely to pay trade prices. In the event the tap unit is fine, change the washer and replace it and you should be good to go.
- Fixing With Replacement Parts – In the event you deem the faucet to be in good working order, aside from the drip, then you can order a replacement seal (usually made from neoprene rubber). If there is no stop valve under the sink, turn off the water at the mains and disassemble the tap in question, making sure not to lose any of the components, while remembering how the unit comes together, then replace the defective part and reassemble and fit. One should be aware that a quality tap unit might have as many as 20 separate components, so unless you are meticulous, it might be better to call in the local plumber.
- Call In The Plumber – If you don’t have the inclination to get your hands dirty, a leaking tap is a 5-minute job for a plumber. While he’s there, you could ask him to give your plumbing a visual inspection, in case there are other underlying issues, and should he find anything untoward, he can carry out the necessary repairs. There are many benefits to calling in a local plumber, and if you have no knowledge of plumbing, it is your best option.
- Don’t Ignore It – What might seem like nothing, will eventually stain the ceramic or steel sink, not to mention the constant dripping sound that accompanies a leaking tap. If you do an online search, you can view a wide range of stunning kitchen and bathroom faucets, all affordably priced, and once the new units are fitted, you can forget about leaking taps. Depending on the make, fixing a leaking tap shouldn’t be a major operation. Nine times out of ten it is caused by a worn or broken seal, and by searching online for the manufacturer, you can order a replacement.
The smart way to carry out home maintenance and improvements is to forge an alliance with an online supplier, who stocks everything you could possibly need. You can expect the goods to arrive within 2-4 working days, which gives you ample time to prepare your tools and materials. Once you have mastered leaking taps, you can move on to more ambitious repairs, and by going down the DIY road, you will save yourself some money in the process.
