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6 Reasons Your Tap is Leaking

Dior McDonald • Jan 17, 2023

Hear A Dripping Tap And Wondering What's Causing It To Leak?

It could be from a number of reasons, and here we’ll get you clued up on the top 6 most common causes for a leaking tap.

But first, it’s important to understand that not all taps are created equally. That’s right, different taps have various inner parts that work in slightly different ways to get your water out that spout.

Most Common Types Of Taps

So without further ado, here are the top 4 most common taps you’re likely to find around your home:

1. Cartridge Taps

One of the more common tap types, cartridge taps have cartridges which allow the user to control temperature and water flow.

2. Disc Taps

Fairly new to the tap world, disc taps are durable, long lasting and a little dearer due to their superior quality.

3. Washer Taps

Although one of the older tap types on the market today, washer taps are still very much used, as they offer a more traditional look. With washer taps, each tap comes with its own handle that moves side to side and tightens as it's turned off.

4. Ball Taps

Ball taps are usually used in kitchens and laundries in the form of a mixer tap, so you move the lever up or down for pressure, or right to left to alter temperature, essentially “mixing” the hot and cold for the desired warmth/coolness.

Now you know what type of tap you’re dealing with, if it is indeed leaking, it could be from one of these main causing factors:

Top Main Causes Of A Leaking Tap

1. Damaged Washers

Most people who have a leaking tap immediately think “Those bloody washers need changing, time to head to the hardware!”, and yes, a damaged washer is one of the reasons that could be causing your tap to leak. The washer sits against the valve seat and with time and consistent use, can start to wear the washer down, causing damage. A washer may not have been installed correctly to begin with, also resulting in a leaking tap.

2. Damaged Cartridge

If the offending tap is a cartridge tap, it could be that the cartridge is broken or worn out. If it’s a fairly new cartridge tap, it could also be that you were sold a damaged cartridge, and you’ll need to contact your supplier to arrange a replacement like for like.

3. Damaged Valve Seat

One of the more common causes of a leaking tap is a damaged valve seat. This rears its head by leaking water from the spout. Over time, valve seats can weaken due to corrosion build up caused by sediment in the water.

4. Worn Out O Ring

A teeny tiny, flattened disc a bit like a Lifesaver lolly after you’ve sucked it for awhile, the O-Ring is attached to the stem screw keeping the tap handle in place. It can get loose or worn out over time causing a leak that comes from the tap’s handle itself.

5. Water Pressure

If you move your tap handle in a certain way and it drips, it could be inconsistent water pressure causing the leak.

6. You haven’t turned the tap off

Classic smart-Alec joke thrown in for good measure.

Now you know the type of taps you have and potentially what’s causing the leak, it’s time to get it fixed so that more damage doesn’t ensue!

Up To The DIY Challenge Of Fixing Your Leaking Tap?

If you’re pretty clued up, you can always attempt a washer change yourself, however we don’t recommend this. Why? Changing a washer is actually a little more complicated than just “changing a washer”, and that’s where a lot of DIY leaking tap home jobs get it wrong and have to end up calling the plumber out anyway. Best save yourself the time and heartache, no?

The entire process involves draining pipes, removing the whole assembled tap, replacing not only the washer but the o ring, the fibre gasket and giving it a regrease also before putting it all back together.

So unless you think you’re up to the task, best leave it to your local plumber to fix a leaking tap like our Lee at MC2 Plumbing – give him a call on 0424 309 622 and he’ll get it sorted tout de suite (thats really really soon).

Lee McDonald at MC2 Plumbing saying 'When you need a reliable, honest Perth plumber who rocks up on time and doesn’t leave a big ol’ mess behind when he leaves, Lee’s your guy.'

The face of MC2 Plumbing, Lee is your friendly, nice-guy-next-door type bloke. Once a professional tap dancer, Lee went from dancing on taps around the world to fixing taps in Perth (with over 20 years in the trade).

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