The Ultimate DIY Guide: How to Fix a Leaking Tap Quickly

It’s late at night, and you’re trying to fall asleep, but that persistent drip, drip, drip from the tap in the bathroom or kitchen is driving you mad. That constant sound can feel like an endless reminder that something is wrong. In addition, the wasted water is slowly adding to your utility bill. Learning how to fix a leaking tap is a simple yet essential skill that every homeowner should have. With just a few tools and patience, you can stop the leak and save water—and your sanity.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix a leaking tap in a few easy steps, helping you restore peace to your home and reduce unnecessary water waste.

What Causes a Leaking Tap?

Before diving into how to fix a leaking tap, it’s important to understand why taps leak in the first place. The most common causes include:

1. Worn-Out Washers: Over time, the rubber washer that seals the tap against the valve seat can wear down due to friction. When this happens, water can trickle through even when the tap is turned off.
2. Damaged O-Rings: An O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps create a watertight seal in taps with a rotating or moving handle. If the O-ring becomes damaged or dislodged, it can cause a leak around the handle.
3. Corroded Valve Seat: The valve seat is the connection between the tap and the spout. Over time, mineral deposits can corrode the valve seat, leading to leaks around the spout area.
4. Loose Parts: Regular wear and tear can cause parts of the tap to loosen, resulting in drips. A simple tightening of these parts can often resolve the issue.

Now that you know the common culprits, let’s get started on how to fix a leaking tap.

How to Fix a Leaking Tap: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re dealing with a leaking kitchen tap or a bathroom faucet, the process of fixing a leaking tap is generally the same. Follow these easy steps to get your tap back in working order.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

The first and most crucial step in learning how to fix a leaking tap is to shut off the water supply. You don’t want to start dismantling the tap only to find yourself in a mini flood.

Steps:

• Locate the water shutoff valves under the sink. These valves are typically found where the water pipes enter the sink area.
• Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.
• Once the water is off, turn the tap on to release any remaining water in the pipes.

2. Prepare the Area

Before you start dismantling the tap, it’s a good idea to prepare your workspace. Lay down a towel or plug the drain to catch any small screws or parts that might fall during the repair.

Tools You’ll Need:

• An adjustable spanner (wrench)
• A flathead screwdriver
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• Replacement parts (washers, O-rings, etc.)

3. Dismantle the Tap

To access the parts causing the leak, you’ll need to dismantle the tap.

Steps:

1. Remove the Tap Handle: Depending on the type of tap, you may need to remove a decorative cap on top of the handle. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry it off, exposing the screw beneath.
2. Unscrew the Handle: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw holding the handle in place. Once the screw is removed, gently lift the handle off the tap body.
3. Remove the Tap Bonnet: Under the handle, you’ll see a bonnet (or cover) that protects the internal parts of the tap. Use an adjustable spanner to loosen and remove the bonnet.

4. Inspect and Replace Damaged Parts

Now that you’ve dismantled the tap, it’s time to identify the damaged part that’s causing the leak.

1. Check the Washer: The most common cause of a leaking tap is a worn-out washer. Inspect the washer at the base of the spindle (the part inside the tap body). If it looks worn or cracked, replace it with a new one of the same size.
2. Inspect the O-Ring: If your tap leaks from around the handle, it’s likely that the O-ring is damaged. Carefully remove the O-ring, check for signs of wear, and replace it with a new one.
3. Examine the Valve Seat: If the leak is coming from the spout, the valve seat may be corroded. In this case, you might need to clean or reseat the valve using a valve seat tool. If the corrosion is too severe, you may need to replace the tap entirely.

5. Reassemble the Tap

Once you’ve replaced the damaged parts, it’s time to reassemble the tap.

Steps:

• Replace the tap bonnet, tightening it securely with your adjustable spanner.
• Reattach the handle by screwing it back into place.
• If you removed a decorative cap, pop it back onto the top of the handle.

6. Turn the Water Back On

With the tap reassembled, it’s time to turn the water supply back on.

Steps:

• Turn the water supply valves back to their original position.
• Slowly turn on the tap and check for any leaks. If everything is tight and in place, the leak should be gone!

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While most people can learn how to fix a leaking tap on their own, some leaks require the expertise of a professional plumber. If you’ve replaced the washer and O-ring and the tap is still leaking, or if you notice that the valve seat is severely corroded, it’s time to call in the pros.

For those in Sydney, the qualified plumbers at Sydney Plumbing Group are just a call away. Whether you need help with a simple repair or a complete tap replacement, their experienced team can get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Preventing Future Leaks

Now that you’ve learned how to fix a leaking tap, it’s important to take steps to prevent future leaks from occurring. Here are a few tips to keep your taps in good working order:

1. Avoid Over-Tightening: One of the most common causes of leaks is over-tightening the tap when turning it off. This wears down the washer and can lead to drips. Turn the tap off firmly, but don’t overdo it.
2. Regular Maintenance: Periodically check the condition of your tap components, including washers and O-rings. Replacing them before they wear out can prevent leaks.
3. Soften Your Water: If you live in an area with hard water, the minerals in the water can corrode your tap’s internal components. Installing a water softener can help extend the life of your plumbing fixtures.

Conclusion

The steps in this guide will help you quickly resolve most minor leaks, saving you time, money, and frustration from constant drips. Learning how to fix a leaking tap is a simple but essential skill. If, however, the problem persists or you are facing more complex plumbing problems, contact professionals at Sydney Plumbing Group.