Here’s Why Your New Bathroom Tap Is Leaking and How to Fix It

Do you have any idea why your new tap is spilling or leaking? Our comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to set your mind at ease and figure out what’s wrong with your leaky faucet.

Tap leaks are inconvenient, to say the least, and if not repaired promptly, they can cause water damage throughout your house. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that many Australians deal with on a year-round basis.

Most people, however, are unaware of the true causes of their taps leaking. Even a little leak can waste up to 18 litres of water every day, significantly increasing your water expenses.

That is why it is critical to understand the reasons for a leaky tap and how to repair it. We’ve gathered a list of some of the most common reasons for a leaky tap in this post.

We’ve also included step-by-step instructions for repairing it, so you don’t have to pay an expert and spend hundreds of dollars.

Let’s get right to the good stuff now, without further ado.

Reasons Why New Taps Leak 

There can be many reasons why taps leak and especially the newly installed ones. Go through these common causes and get the problem fixed right away.

Worn-out O-rings 

The O-ring is a little disc that connects the stem screw to the tap’s handle and holds it in place. It might get loosened or wear out over time. If the leak seems to be coming from the faucet’s lever, it’s most likely due to a worn-out o-ring.

Damaged Washers 

Damaged washers are another typical cause of a leaky tap that many people are unaware of.

The washer is in contact with the valve seat, and the continual friction between the two pieces can wear it down and harm it over time. A washer that isn’t correctly placed might also cause a leak in the faucet.

Inconsistent Water Pressure 

Is your tap only dripping when you turn the handle in a specific direction? If this is the case, it signifies that your home’s water pressure is causing it to dribble.

Damaged Valve Seat 

One of the most typical reasons for a leaky tap is a broken valve seat. If you detect that there is a leak in your home, it’s a sign that something’s amiss with the valve seat if it’s coming out of the spout. 

Caused by corrosion induced by silt accumulation, the valve seat weakens with time. Clean the valve seat on a regular basis to avoid this.

Broken Cartridge 

If you’ve chosen a cartridge-style tap, make sure the cartridge isn’t damaged or worn out. If you find a leak within the first few weeks after purchasing it, it’s a sign that you’ve made a mistake.

I was sold a faulty cartridge. As a result, you must contact the vendor to get it changed with a compatible cartridge.

Quick Fixes to Get Rid of Leaky Taps 

Turn off the Water Supply 

First and foremost, you must turn off the water supply; otherwise, the entire house may be flooded. Look under the sink for the shutdown valves and make sure the handle is turned clockwise.

You must turn off the main water supply if your tap does not have a shutoff valve. Rotate your tap clockwise and see if water is coming out or not to ensure that the flow has been switched off.

If there is no water flowing out, you have successfully switched off the water source.

Remove the Top Handle 

The handles of your leaky tap must then be disassembled. To do so, remove the caps from the top of the handle with a flathead screwdriver.

This will expose the handle screws, which must be removed. To remove the handles, unscrew them.

Inspect and Replace the Broken Parts 

If you see any parts that are damaged or worn out, replace them immediately.

All of the necessary components may be found at your local hardware store. Carry your old components to the hardware shop and ask for duplicates to ensure you obtain the appropriate parts.

Clean the Valves 

Once you’ve removed the cartridge or stem, you’ll need to clean the valves. Even if your tap is brand new, mineral accumulation is unavoidable.

As a result, be certain that it should be cleaned. We strongly advise saturating the valve with white vinegar and leaving it to soak for at least 5 minutes.

Scrub it away after it has thoroughly saturated. Don’t forget to clean the remainder of the sink to bring it back to life.

Reassemble the Tap 

After you’ve finished cleaning and reinstalling the pieces, put the tap back together and turn on the water supply to see whether there’s a leak.

If there is no sign of a leak, the leaky tap has been fixed. You may need to contact a professional if this is not the case.

Call Professionals for Help 

Is the tap still leaking? There may be some issue with the innards, which can only be replaced by a trained professional. You should call the local leak detection plumbers in West Pennant Hills to get the tap inspected and fixed.

Final Thoughts 

A leaky tap isn’t just annoying but results in a lot of water wastage. It would be great to get the issues fixed right away, and this tap repair guide will help you do that. If you don’t have an idea of how to disassemble a tap and check for issues, you can watch some DIY videos.

Or the best way is assigning the job to professionals. At Sydney Plumbers, we can fix all types of leaky taps at affordable rates.

Click on the Contact Us button to book an appointment today, and our experts will be there to fix the tap.