The Importance of Fixing a Tap Leak
A tap leak may seem like a minor issue, but over time, it can lead to wasted water, increased bills, and even damage to your home. A single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water per year, adding unnecessary costs to your water bill. Detecting leaks early and addressing them promptly can save money, prevent water damage, and improve plumbing efficiency. At Precise Plumbing and Electrical, we specialise in identifying and repairing tap leaks to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. For more complex plumbing jobs, it is crucial to hire a licensed plumber such as ourselves to ensure compliance with regulations and to utilise advanced equipment for effective problem-solving.
Leaks can also contribute to structural damage, mould growth, and long-term plumbing issues. Left unchecked, excess moisture can weaken floors, walls, and ceilings, leading to costly renovations. Furthermore, continuous water leakage can increase your carbon footprint and put unnecessary strain on local and water supply and resources.
Understanding Leaking Taps
A leaking tap can be a frustrating and costly issue, wasting thousands of litres of water a year and increasing your water bill. Understanding the causes of a leaking tap is essential for fixing it effectively. Leaking taps often result from worn-out or damaged rubber or ceramic parts that act as sealants to stop water from running when the the tap handle is off. Taps that only turn a half or a quarter typically use ceramic disc sealants, while those that turn further use rubber washers. Other possible causes of leaks include worn-out O-rings and broken washers. By identifying these common culprits, you can take the necessary steps to fix the leak and prevent further water wastage.
How to Detect a Tap Leak
A tap leak isn’t always obvious, especially when it occurs in hidden pipework behind walls or underground. If you suspect a leak in your home, follow these steps to check your system: Check for a leaky faucet by examining for worn-out components such loose parts such as washers or gaskets.
1. Perform a Water Meter Test
One of the most common cause simplest ways to determine if you have a tap leak or another hidden water leak is by using your water meter.
Follow these steps:
- Ensure all taps in your home are turned off and not dripping.
- Locate your water meter and record the reading (taking a photo is a great way to keep track).
- Avoid using any water in your home, including flushing toilets, for at least two hours.
- Check your water meter again and compare readings. If the numbers have changed, there may be a leak within your plumbing system.
- If the leak persists but is not visible, consider consulting a professional plumber to conduct thermal imaging or acoustic leak detection.
2. Check for Visible Signs of Leaks
Leaks can occur both inside and outside your home. Knowing what to look for can help you identify an issue before it worsens.
Signs of a Tap Leak Inside Your Home:
- Dripping taps – Even a slow drip can waste litres of water over time.
- Blistering plaster or peeling paint – Moisture buildup behind walls may indicate a concealed leak.
- Damp, discoloured, or warped flooring – Water leaks can cause structural damage to floors and skirting boards.
- Leaks under sinks and vanities – Check for moisture, mould, or water pooling beneath your taps and plumbing fixtures.
- Unusual sounds – A constant dripping, hissing, or trickling noise may indicate a hidden leak in your tap or pipes.
- Low water pressure – If the tap’s flow is weaker than usual, it may indicate a leak in the system.
- Leaks between the tap body and other components – Issues like dripping or water flow problems can occur between the tap body and parts such as the O-ring or spindle.
Signs of a Tap Leak Outside Your Home:
- Damp soil or patches of extra-green grass – Underground leaks may be feeding extra water to certain areas of your lawn.
- Wet spots on external walls or pathways – Look for unexplained puddles or water damage around outdoor plumbing.
- Leaking garden taps and irrigation systems – Regularly inspect outdoor taps, hoses, and sprinklers for signs of leakage.
- Increased mosquito activity – Stagnant water caused by leaks can attract insects and create breeding grounds.
- Leaks around the tap bonnet – Check the tap bonnet for proper placement and tightening, as leaks can occur if it is not secured correctly.
3. Monitor Your Water Bill
A sudden increase in your water bill without a change in household usage could indicate a hidden leak. Compare your recent water bills to previous months. If there is an unexplained spike, it may be worth conducting further leak detection tests.
Identifying the Source of the Leak
Identifying the source of the leak is crucial to fixing a leaking tap. Leaks can occur from various parts of the tap, including O-rings, worn washers, and broken washers. To pinpoint the source, start by turning off the water supply to the tap. Next, disassemble the tap to access the affected area. Carefully inspect the tap for any signs of wear or damage, such as mineral buildup or corrosion. Pay close attention to the O-rings and washers, as these components are often the culprits behind leaks. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, replace the faulty parts to restore the tap’s proper function.
Signs of a Leaking Tap
There are several signs that indicate a leaking tap, including:
- Water dripping from the faucet or tap
- Water flowing from the tap even when it’s turned off
- A hissing sound coming from the tap
- Water stains or mineral buildup around the tap
- A sudden increase in your water bill
Recognizing these signs early can help you address the issue before it leads to more significant problems.
Preparing for the Fix
Before attempting to fix a leaking tap, it’s essential to prepare the area and shut off the water supply. Proper preparation will prevent any further water damage and make the repair process safer and more efficient. Gather the necessary tools and materials, such as a spanner, screwdriver, and replacement parts, to ensure you have everything you need for the repair.
Shutting Off the Water Supply
To shut off the water supply to the tap, locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise. Open the faucet to drain the water from the pipes, and then close the faucet. This step will prevent any water from flowing to the tap while you’re making the repair. If you’re unsure where the shut-off valves are located, consult your local hardware store or a professional plumber for assistance. Properly shutting off the water supply is a crucial step in ensuring a successful tap repair.
How to Fix a Leaking Tap
If you’ve confirmed a tap leak, addressing it quickly can prevent further damage and water wastage. We always recommend you call one of our plumbers but if you are unable to do so, here’s what you can try (if you are unsure, please call us):
1. Tighten or Replace Washers
- Leaking taps are often caused by worn-out washers or O-rings.
- A broken washer prevents a tight seal, allowing water to drip continuously.
- Replacing these small components can stop the leak and restore proper function.
- Tools needed: Spanner, screwdriver, and replacement washer.
- Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality washers for better longevity and reduced future repairs.
2. Check the Tap Cartridge
- Mixer taps contain a cartridge that controls water flow and temperature.
- Over time, this cartridge can wear out or become clogged, leading to leaks.
- Our maintenance plumber can assess and install a new cartridge if necessary.
- Solution: Purchase a matching replacement cartridge or consult us for proper installation.
- Additionally, check the jumper valve and replace it if worn out to ensure the tap functions properly.
3. Inspect Pipe Connections
- Loose or corroded pipe fittings can also lead to tap leaks.
- Check the pipes underneath your sink for any signs of water pooling or rusting.
- Tighten connections using a wrench, but avoid over-tightening as it may damage seals.
- If corrosion is present, replacement may be the best solution.
- Inspect jumper valves and replace them if necessary to ensure proper functioning of the pipe connections.
4. Replace the Entire Tap (If Necessary)
- If a tap is old or severely damaged, replacing it may be more cost-effective than continuous repairs.
- If tap repairs are frequent, replacing the entire tap may be more cost-effective.
- Choose a modern, water-efficient tap to reduce long-term water usage.
- Consider upgrading to a touchless sensor tap for added convenience and hygiene.
- Our professional plumbers can recommend and install the best tap for your needs.
- Look for taps with WELS ratings to maximise water conservation.
5. Call a Professional Plumber
For persistent leaks or complex plumbing issues, it’s best to call a professional. Precise Plumbing and Electrical offers expert leak detection and tap repair services to prevent further water loss and damage.
When to Call us:
- If you can’t locate the source of a leak.
- If the leak is inaccessible or behind walls.
- If your taps continue leaking after repairs.
- If you notice water damage or mould growth.
- If your water pressure has significantly decreased.
- If you suspect pipe corrosion or underground leaks.
How to Prevent Future Tap Leaks
Once you’ve fixed a leak, taking preventive measures can help avoid future plumbing problems by**:**
- Turn taps off gently – Over-tightening can wear out washers and seals faster.
- Regularly check taps for minor drips or leaks before they worsen.
- Regularly check and replace the tap washer to prevent leaks.
- Using the correct size tap washers is crucial for preventing leaks.
- Both the washer and jumper valve should be checked and replaced as part of regular maintenance.
- Taking both the washer and jumper valves to a hardware store can help find suitable replacements.
- Clean aerators and tap spouts to prevent buildup that can cause pressure issues.
- Upgrade to water-efficient taps to reduce wear and tear.
- Schedule annual plumbing maintenance with Precise Plumbing and Electrical to catch issues early.
- Install pressure regulators to maintain optimal water pressure and prevent strain on plumbing fixtures.
Don’t Ignore a Tap Leak – Book a Repair Today
A small tap leak can lead to big problems if left unchecked. If you’ve noticed any signs of a leaky tap anywhere in your home or plumbing work, call us or book online today for a professional inspection and repair. Our expert team at Precise Plumbing and Electrical is ready to help keep your plumbing system running smoothly!
📞 Call us at 8356 2750 or book an appointment online for expert leak detection and repair services in Adelaide!
