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A dripping tap is more than just an annoyance; it can waste thousands of litres of water and signal larger plumbing issues.
Common causes range from old, worn-out taps and overtightening handles to more serious problems like pipe damage or excessive water pressure. Understanding the root cause is crucial to applying the right fix and preventing costly future repairs.
Is your tap leaking? At first glance, it might not seem like such a big problem, but if left as-is, it can mean a lot bigger issues later on.
Leaky taps can result in the waste of many litres of water, which is inefficient and inflates your water bills needlessly. In a year, a leaky faucet can waste 20,000 litres of water! Not to mention, the annoying dripping sound alone can make anyone lose their cool.
Causes of Leaking Taps
A lot of the time, you can quickly fix a leaky tap yourself, but it does depend on the type of damage you’re dealing with. Keep reading this short blog post to find out what can cause leaking taps.
Old Taps
One of the most common reasons your tap leaks is that it’s reached the end of its lifespan. Old taps usually mean excessive use, which can damage the valve set responsible for stopping the water from flowing.
Changing your taps is luckily very easy, so if that’s what you’re dealing with, you can even do DIY plumbing to fix it.
Tightening the Handles Too Hard
Another common reason for leaking taps is misusing them. To ensure they turn the water off, many people tighten the handles more than necessary, which can lead to damage over time.
Like old taps, the solution is to change them, which you can quickly fix if necessary.
Pipe Issues
A leaking tap can be a sign that your plumbing has a problem. Pipe damage can include corrosion, blockages, and tree roots growing inside the pipes outside the home.
These issues cause changes in your water pressure, which can lead to water leaks. In these cases, it’s best to work with a licensed plumber to ensure the damage is fixed for good. Whether it’s blockages, cracks, or tree roots, when left unfixed, these issues have a habit of worsening over time, often leading to thousands of dollars in repairs.
Water Pressure
Another reason for leaky taps is high water pressure. While it may sound like a dream, if the water pressure is too high, the water cannot flow properly through the home’s plumbing, and the pipes become submerged.
As a result, the water will try to escape, and one of the best places it can do that is through the tap. Call a plumber immediately if you notice a change in your home’s water pressure.
Wilco Plumbing Is Here to Help
We understand how annoying it can be to hear that drip-drip sound from your kitchen or bathroom. With our plumbing services, you’ll remove that sound in time and enjoy a better and more functional system. Contact the Wilco Plumbing team today!