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A dripping tap can be easy to ignore, especially when it is only a small drip.
The problem is that a dripping tap rarely fixes itself. Over time, it can waste water, increase your water use and become a bigger plumbing problem. If you have a dripping tap in your home or business, it is usually worth getting it fixed sooner rather than later.
Why Is My Tap Dripping?
There are several common reasons a tap may start dripping.
These can include:
- A worn washer
- A damaged seal
- A worn cartridge
- Loose or ageing internal parts
- Corrosion inside the tap
- Water pressure problems
The cause will depend on the type and age of the tap.
Sometimes the repair is simple. In other cases, particularly with older taps, replacing the tap may be the better option.
Does a Dripping Tap Waste Much Water?
Even a small drip can add up when it continues all day and night.
One drip might not seem like much, but a tap that continues dripping for weeks or months can waste a surprising amount of water. If your water bill has increased and you cannot see an obvious reason why, dripping taps and other small leaks are worth checking.
When Should I Call a Plumber for a Dripping Tap?
It is a good idea to call Craig and the team if:
- The tap keeps dripping after you have tried to fix it
- The tap is leaking around the base or handle
- The tap is difficult to turn on or off
- The leak is getting worse
- You have several leaking taps
- You have noticed an unexplained increase in water use
- The tap or fittings are old or corroded
- You are not sure where the water is coming from
A plumber can identify the cause of the leak and advise whether repairing or replacing the tap is the better option.
Should I Repair or Replace the Tap?
Not every dripping tap needs to be replaced.
If the tap is in good condition and the problem is caused by a worn internal part, a repair may be all that is needed.
Replacement might make more sense if the tap is old, badly corroded, difficult to operate or has needed several repairs already.
Craig and the team can inspect the tap and let you know which option makes the most sense.
What If More Than One Tap Is Dripping?
If several taps in your home have started leaking around the same time, the problem may not be limited to the individual taps.
Water pressure or another issue within the plumbing system can sometimes contribute to repeated leaks.
It is worth mentioning this when you call so Craig and the team can look at the bigger picture rather than simply repairing one tap at a time.
Do Not Ignore Other Signs of a Leak
A dripping tap is usually easy to spot, but not every water leak is visible.
You should also keep an eye out for:
- Damp patches
- Water stains
- Mould or musty smells
- The sound of running water when nothing is turned on
- Unusually high water bills
- Reduced water pressure
These can sometimes point to a hidden plumbing leak that needs further investigation.
Need a Dripping Tap Fixed in Geraldton?
If that constant drip is starting to drive you mad or you simply want to stop wasting water, Craig and the team can help.
Geraldton Plumbing Services provides tap repairs and general plumbing maintenance throughout Geraldton and the Mid West.
Whether you have one leaking tap or several plumbing problems that need attention, give Craig and the team a call.
Call Craig and the team on 0418 934 928 to arrange a plumbing repair in Geraldton.