A leaking tap can be caused by a damaged washer, which wears down with time and produces a dripping faucet suddenly. The solution is usually straightforward: the tap is unlinked and the washer is replaced with a new one. On the other hand, replacing the washer with a mixer tap is considerably more complicated. In fact, most taps don’t have a washer, instead, they have a replaceable cartridge. When it comes to repairing a leaking mixer tap, that just raises a few additional difficulties! However, with the correct information and comprehension, you will never make a mistake again. Here’s what you should know about replacing a washer on a mixer tap.
What is a Mixer Tap?
A mixer tap combines hot and cold water together into one spout, and the user adjusts the temperature by changing a single knob. This is not to be confused with other taps, which may have two separate spouts for separate hot and cold water.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
It goes without saying that wasting water is an irresponsible use of a valuable resource – but it can also cost you a lot of money. A dripping tap can consume as much as half a litre per hour, which adds up to 12 litres per day and around 4380 litres a year. If you have a significant leak or several dripping taps, you’ll be wasting money. Some leaking taps can waste up to 5 litres an hour or 120 litres each day!
Steps To Repair
Carefully follow the instructions listed below:
- There are a number of methods to remove the tap handle depending on the kind of tap you have. For example, there may be a tiny plastic cap over the grub screw. The grub screw may also be found at the bottom of the tap, without a cover. If there is a cap, pry it off carefully with a knife or something similar.
- Remove the grub screw with an Allen key once it’s exposed. If there is a retaining screw, you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver to remove it.
- Remove the cap and screws from the cartridge to expose it for cleaning. Remove the cartridge from the body by turning it anti-clockwise with a spanner.
- At this point, remove the chrome dress ring with a pipe wrench – or similar – and then a brass retaining nut with a spanner.
- There is no easy access to the cartridge! If you knew the specific type ahead of time, you may have a new one to fit in its place. But if you don’t know, go to your local hardware store and get the right replacement for the old cartridge.
- Finally, replace the cartridge in the tap and reconnect all of the associated components with the correct part. You’re ready to use your tap again after fixing it!
When is the Right Time to Call a Plumber?
If you find yourself with a leaking faucet that’s caused by a damaged washer, just follow the steps above to change it. However, if the leak is coming from below the sink and you’re not familiar with plumbing in your area or aren’t comfortable with how your system works, we’d recommend calling an experienced plumber for help! That is where we come in!
We Can Handle All Repairs!
Our plumbers like to live up to our motto ‘service made simple’ allowing our clients to have all their plumbing problems solved without any hassle. Our qualified plumbers will provide you with the best quality workmanship as soon as you need it. We provide 24-hour emergency plumbing and give a lifetime warranty on all labour provided.
Leaking Tap Repairs Sydney
We are Sydney’s most experienced plumber when it comes to fixing leaking taps, and we provide the best leaky tap repair service. We also provide tap installation and replacement services. Dripping taps can be extremely irritating. The continuous sound of dripping, as well as water waste, is a cause for worry. Do you have an issue with your faucet? We are experts in the diagnosis of common plumbing issues. A few examples of problems we fix include leaking taps or mixers, faulty tap washers or tap cartridges, and leaky stop valves and connection pipes to name a few.
Trusted Tap Repairs & Replacements
Leaks are costly, and this is especially true when it comes to leaking taps. They’re one of the main reasons for water waste in Australian homes today. Even a single drip adds up over time, resulting in buckets of water wasted that frequently increase your water bill significantly. Not to mention, water waste is incredibly damaging to our planet’s environmental health.
Reliable and Punctual
Whether your tap could do with a new washer to restrict water from being able to leak, or if it’s your faucet that’s causing the problem – we can guarantee to offer the ideal solution for you with quick services. Putting up with a leaky tap might not seem like a huge deal at first, but you’d only have to place a bowl underneath it to see just how much water is being wasted. Our time-savvy services will have your plumbing up and running in no time!
Call Us Today!
Fixing a leaking tap is a relatively easy job that most people can do themselves with the right instructions. All you need is a few basic tools and some patience. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, we’d be happy to help! Our team of experienced plumbers are available 24/7 to solve all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for a free quote!
