Drip…. drip…. that unmistakable noise of a dripping tap that always seems to start in the middle of the night. While a leaking tap may not seem like a big issue (and it is something that many homeowners put off for another day), left for too long, it can become a major issue that requires you to call a 24-hour plumber in Sydney.
A DIY Fix to a Dripping Tap
If you have a tap that is dripping, it is often fixable with a few tools and the right parts. But how you fix it will depend on what kind of tap you have – the fix for a tap with handles is very different from the fix for a mixer tap for example.
Let’s look at the basic fix for a tap with handles, similar to your kitchen or bathroom taps. The first thing you need to do is to shut off the water. This is often done at the shut-off valve at the front of your home (it’s important to know where this is when you need to shut off the water in an emergency, so make a note of it).
From here, it will depend on the type of tap you have however, most will have a cap that needs to be simply lifted off or screwed off. After removing the cap, remove the nut with a wrench or a tap spanner (essential pieces of equipment for the home toolbox), and then twist out the spindle. You may need to put in a little effort here and use the tap spanner or wrench but be careful not to damage the spindle.
Then you can simply remove the washer and replace it with the exact same type. Depending on the age of your spindles, you may also like to replace them since you already have the tap pulled apart.
Now it’s the simple matter of putting everything back together in the reverse order, turning on the water, and seeing if the drip is gone.
If you do still have a leak, you may need to replace the O-ring or the thread tape, or it could be the seat that’s the issue. While an O-ring and thread tape is easy to replace, if you suspect the issue is with the seat, it’s best to call a plumber – these are easy to damage and may result in you having to replace the whole tap.
Why Use Plumbing Services in Sydney to Fix a Dripping Tap
A leaky tap or a dripping tap is often an easy fix; however, many homeowners simply don’t have the supplies, the time, or the knowledge on how to fix it. If you fall into these categories, or your dripping tap has become worse, calling a plumber is your best bet.
Using plumbing services in Sydney can save you a lot of time and money. How?
A plumber has all the right equipment on board and can change even the ficklest of taps. If your dripping tap has turned into a full leak, a quality plumber will be able to fix the issue without causing further damage to your tap hardware, your benchtop, or your cupboards.
Should the issue not be with your tap, but further along the pipe, a plumber can often offer pipe location services to help fix bigger issues.
24 Hour Plumber in Sydney
Has your tap gone from a few drips to a full leak in a matter of a few hours? It’s time to call a 24-hour plumber in Sydney before you have a tap that can’t be turned off.
Pro-flush offers fast 24-hour emergency plumbing services in Sydney and is your first point of call, should you have a tap leak in the middle of the night.
