Blocked drains in Geelong can be a severe problem in everyday life. Not only do they make an obnoxious noise, but they may also waste up to 3 gallons of water every day. If you constantly ignore it, you’ll notice that your water bills are increasing and that what you’re paying for is draining away. Repairs may incur initial costs, but they will help you save money. You can repair the leaky tap on your own if you have basic know-how but hiring a plumber in Geelong is always a better solution. Today’s blog is for anyone who wants to know the causes and ways to fix leaky faucets.
What are the Causes of Leaking Taps
A leaking tap may not appear to be an emergency, especially compared to other plumbing difficulties, such as a broken pipe. There are various probable reasons for a leaky faucet, and determining the problem will help you plan your next steps. Some issues you may be able to address yourself, but others will necessitate the assistance of a plumber in Geelong. If you’ve detected a leaky tap in your house and want to know the causes, here are some reasons listed below. –
1. Damaged Cartridge
Faucet cartridges regulate the flow and temperature of the tap’s water, making them one of the most crucial components. Cartridges are durable, although they can wear out over time or get harmed by silt accumulation (which then creates leaks). You can replace the cartridge if you know what size you need, but you’ll need some specialised equipment and an understanding of how taps function. If you are unsure about it, it is advisable to see a plumber in Geelong.
2. Pipe Issue
A leaky tap causes problems such as fractures, corrosion, or tree root damage. Damaged pipes can change water pressure, causing your faucets to dribble. However, pipe damage is significant, and a leaky tap is unlikely to be caused only because of this. If you have broken pipes at home, you will most likely notice other concerns, such as foul odours, discoloured water, and more significant leaks.
3. High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure can impair water flow; if the pressure is too high, water cannot flow efficiently. It causes water to back up, and if it can’t find an exit, it will begin to leak from your faucets. A plumber can examine your water pressure and, if necessary, do the needful.
4. Disrupted Valve Seat
When you turn off the tap, the washer seals into the valve seat, providing a seal between the spout and the faucet; because the valve seat deals with tremendous pressure and is prone to corrosion and normal wear and tear. If you have the necessary equipment, you might be able to repair the valve seat yourself, but it’s always preferable to consult a plumber in Geelong if you need more time to avoid more damage.
5. Worn-Out Washers
Problems with the washer that sits against the valve seat are another significant source of water leakage. The friction between these elements might cause the washer to wear out over time. Faucet leaks may also happen if the washer is improperly placed or is of the incorrect size. It is most familiar with compression faucets.
Ways to Fix Leaky Faucets
1. Preparation
Before fixing a leaky tap, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment and run a few tests. You will need a screwdriver, a drain stopper, a wrench, and a little cloth, for the most part. Some parts may need to get replaced, which you can only determine after disassembling the faucet and inspecting it. However, the first step to fix a leaky tap is to seal the drain and switch off any water supply valves. It will keep the water from interrupting or exacerbating the repairs and guarantee that no screws or pieces slip down the drain when you finish your job.
If you can’t find the valve, check for the pipe beneath the sink and follow it until you reach a knob or lever. Turn it clockwise to turn off the water, then test it by turning on the faucet. The water should cease, as should the leak, and any leftover water in the pipes should drain into the sink promptly.
2. Dismantling
According to hot water plumbers in Geelong, this step will vary depending on the type of bathroom fixture in use. To remove the faucet’s handle, you’ll need to use a wrench, screwdriver, or spanner. Standard ball faucets, disc faucets, compression faucets, and cartridge faucets are examples of different handles. The most common form of faucet is a compression faucet, which has a handle that needs you to press down or raise to turn the faucet on or off. Instead, the handles swivel back and forth to complete the process.
3. Repairs
According to plumbers, to fix a leaky you need to first remove the screws from the faucet’s handles. To find the screws, you may need to remove the hot and cold decorations. After removing the handles, set them aside and remove the nut. It will find it on top of the washer seat, which is composed of rubber. After removing the nut, carefully extract the washer seat, which will likely get hooked to a screw below.
Before you learn how to stop a leaking tap, you should know that the rubber seat is frequently the leak source. Because of the rubber substance, it tends to wear out after a few uses and must get replaced. So, after removing the washer seat, replace it with a new one. You should also ensure that the replacement piece is the correct size and fits correctly within the faucet’s mechanism. You may have to cut the worn-out washed with a knife. The professional plumbers in Geelong say that applying a lubricant to the new washer might also be advantageous before inserting it. It can assist in sealing the new part in place and make the faucet run more smoothly.
A ball faucet will require you to purchase a separate replacement kit to replace the parts since they need specific equipment designed specifically for these types of faucets. If you cannot obtain one, you may complete the task using a standard screwdriver, pliers, and tweezers.
4. Reassembling
Once you’ve figured out how to stop a leaking tap, you’ll need to reassemble the faucet with a screwdriver and wrench. After that, re-start the water supply and slowly open one of the faucets. Because all the parts have just reconnected, you should avoid turning them on quickly to prevent damage. There should be no more leaks, and the water should run more smoothly than it did previously.
If your faucet leaks continuously, you may need to reset the washer. This approach may quickly repair a leaking shower line or faucet using items readily available at home. And if you find it difficult, don’t think twice about hiring a hot water plumber in Geelong.
Bottom Line
This was your guide on how to fix leaky taps. But fixing plumbing issues like leaky faucets or blocked drains in Geelong should always be left in the hands of plumbers. The professionals will not only find the exact cause and fix all the leaking taps but will also help you with suggestions to prevent it from happening the next time. So, no matter what plumbing issue it is, always consider hiring professional plumbers in Geelong.
