Dripping or leaking taps can be a major inconvenience in daily life. In addition to being a source of constant annoyance, dripping taps can waste gallons of water every day. Your water bill will make you understand one day how much cash is being flushed away. It’s possible that repairing something will cost more money upfront, yet end up saving you cash in the long term. Fixing the leaking tap is a simple task if you have some DIY skills.
What is Required for Fixing a Leaking Tap?
To fix a dripping tap, you will need basic plumbing equipment such as plumber’s grips, a screwdriver set, probably some Torx bits, and wipes or lavatory paper; moreover, you should have safety goggles, gloves, ear muffs, a full first aid kit, and a tetanus vaccination.
Different Types of Tap
Fixing a leaking tap requires a varied approach depending on the model. There are four distinct varieties of sink mixers. To name a few: ball taps, cartridge taps, ceramic-disk taps, and compression taps.
How to Fix Leaky Compression Taps
Compression taps, the oldest and simplest design, have separate controls for the hot and cold water and are turned clockwise to cut off the water supply.
- You can use pliers and a flat-head screwdriver to take off the handles of the sink tap.
- Remove the screw from the valve stem handles’ attachment to the valve body and use a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Simply raise the handle to release it.
- As a first step, take off the cap protecting the valve stem.
- Turning the nut counterclockwise with a soft pair of pliers or a wrench will free the hex-nut piece of the valve assembly.
- The hex nut can be removed by unscrewing it completely.
- The valve stem washer may be visible towards its base. Perhaps it’s past its prime and in need of replacement.
- Take off the boiling water tap screw that’s holding the washer on the stem.
- Scrub the washer holder with vinegar and a toothbrush to eliminate any mineral buildup.
- Take apart the worn-out washer and use it as a guide while shopping for a new one. If the O-ring appears worn, you can also replace it. When reassembly is necessary, the new washer is pushed into the valve seat and the brass bolt and the old or new O-ring are attached.
- Seal with plumber’s grease.
- Put back together the remaining parts of the tap.
How to Fix Leaky Ceramic Tap
Taps with a ceramic disk have two handles for operating the hot and cold water. A combination of high gloss ceramic disks is housed in a cartridge that controls water flow on and off.
- The knob can be detached by unscrewing it.
- Take off the decorative cap known as the escutcheon.
- Remove the cylinder by loosening its screws, then use white vinegar and a scouring pad to clean it. If the cylinder is broken, you should replace it.
- Use a screwdriver to pry open the neoprene seals.
- Seals should be replaced if they show signs of wear and pitting.
- Put it back together and slowly run the water again.
How to Fix Single Cartridge Taps
The wide, cylindrical base of a cartridge tap is met by a single lever, making these fixtures common in kitchens.
- Remove the handle by loosening the set screw with Allen wrenches.
- Take off the ornamental top immediately. These things tend to be fragile, so handle them with care. Do it by hand; pliers won’t help.
- Carefully pull the cartridge out using pliers, and finish the removal by hand. Using the flat-head screwdriver, take away the cartridge’s seals from the bottom.
- Clean the covers and the place they sit with your cleaning tools. Soak in alcohol and use a Q-tip or old brush to scrub away residues. A new cartridge should be purchased if the particles do not release freely.
- Carefully remove the O-ring first from the tap with the screwdriver, then hand-coat it with plumber’s grease before replacing it in the tap body.
- After cleaning the old or new cartridge, install it and tighten it using the Channellock pliers.
- Replace the ornamental cap carefully.
- Install the handle again, this time using the Allen wrenches to snug up the set screw.
How to Fix Leaky Ball Tap
With so many moving parts, ball-type taps frequently spring leaks. The ball, O-rings, and plastic seats needed to fix them can be found at any hardware store or plumbing supply shop.
- Plumbing supply stores should have the necessary replacement parts.
- Take the handle off by unscrewing it.
- Plier removal of the cap and collar is required.
- Remove the cam, cam washer, and ball from the tap using the tool provided in the replacement package.
- Pull the intake seals and springs out of the tap using needle-nose pliers.
- Remove the O-rings, and then install new ones that have been greased by a plumber.
- Put the tap back together with the new parts that came with the kit, such as the springs, valve seats, and cam washers.