Why Do I Have a Leaking Tap in Perth?

Well… the same reason you’d have a leaking tap in any other city, TBH.

(Waterfall image above symbolizes a heavily leaking tap. Also, it's pretty.)

Now, if you have a leaky tap, there could be any number of reasons causing it. But if your tap leaks in Perth and there’s no one around to hear it, did it still drip? Sorry sorry, shameful joke just to keep you scrolling about boring-ass tap leaks, but here you are reading, right?

Firstly, let’s look at the different types of taps out there so you can ascertain what kind of tap you’re dealing with.

The 5 Most Common Types of Taps

1. Cartridge Taps

One of the most common types around these days, cartridge taps have cartridges (you don’t say!) allowing the user to control water flow and temperature.

2. Disc Taps

Fairly new to the tap world, disc taps are very durable and a little more expensive due to their superior quality. They're also a lot easier to use, and are recommended for those with limited hand movement.

3. Washer Taps

Although one of the oldest types of tap available, washer taps are still used today as they offer that traditional look from yesteryear. 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 often used for mains supply isolation for either gas or water, and are extremely durable.

5. Shoe Taps

Bearing no relation to plumbing taps, our main plumber Lee was once a professional tap dancer and so used shoe taps on his feet daily. His tap shoes are pretty epic. But not for use in bathrooms at all.

Alrighty, now we know all about the various taps on the market, let’s have a looksee at what kind of tap leak you have and what could be causing it.

How is My Tap Leaking?

a.    Drip.           Drip.        Drippity-drip.

b.    Drizzling stream. Sound makes you need to pee.

c.    The Avon River in August

d.    It’s not leaking. I’m just here for the pretty waterfall picture and the jokes.

For options a) through to c), it’s important to call your local Perth plumber to get the leak fixed. You’ll want to turn off your water mains and call that emergency plumber ASAP for options b & c, because water wastage. But if you’re experiencing just a drip drip like in a, simply place a bucket under the offending tap and call your plumber to get it tended soon, but not like in an emergency situation, alright?

Why is My Tap Leaking?

We’ve reached the crux of our post here, so allow us to enlighten you on what could be the cause of your leaking tap, and why you might have leaking tap at home, based on what type of tap you have (remember that bit above?)

Top Reasons Why Your Tap Is Leaking

1. Damaged Washers

Most people who have a leaking tap immediately think “it’s the dang washers, we need to change the washers, Steve”, 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 constant use, friction can start to wear the washer down causing damage. A damaged washer can also be a result of the washer not being installed correctly (here's looking at you, Steve) to begin with, also leading to tap leaking.

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 pretty new tap, it could 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

Also, one of the more common causes of a leaking tap, a damaged valve seat shows its face 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 disc a bit like a Lifesaver lolly (remember those?) but flatter, 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.  

Who should you call if you find a leaking tap at home?

Now that you know all about various taps and the leaks that come from them, you have two options – go and become a plumber yourself to fix a leaking tap, or call your local plumber for fixing tap leaks in Perth – Lee at MC2 Plumbing. Not only will he fix your taps, but it’s also highly likely he’ll throw in a few terrible tap dancing puns, too.

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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