A leaky shower tap washer can be one of the most annoying things to deal with. Late at night, in the middle of the darkness, while you try to get some shut-eye, all you can hear is that infernal dripping! If you have found yourself to be in this predicament, read on to hear about what you can do to stop this, and why you should prioritise repairing as soon as possible.
Reasons You Should Stop Ignoring That Leak
A leaky shower isn’t just annoying, it can also be quite dangerous. Not only will you waste a lot of water, but a leaky shower can also damage your ceilings, walls and floors. In extreme cases, it can even lead to the development of mould and mildew.
Mould and Mildew
It seems like the unthinkable… Mould? Growing within the confines of your home? Impossible! But unfortunately, this is actually quite possible. Moist areas are the perfect condition for your home to accumulate mould. Mould loves moisture, mould will definitely multiply and spread within the confines of your home. This can lead to structural damage to your home, which can lead to even more expensive repairs down the track. Not to mention, mould is detrimental to our health. So if you have kids or pets around that environment, repairing that leak should be a high priority.
Structural Damage
As mentioned above, moisture can lead to structural damage to your home. This can include warping of floorboards, peeling paintwork and even damage to the roof itself. And this is not something you want to wait around for; if water has infiltrated your home’s structure, it’s only a matter of time before mould starts growing within those affected areas. That leaky shower is like a ticking time bomb.
Steps to Fix it Yourself!
Follow this guide below religiously to fix your plumbing issue.
Step 1: Grab Your Tools
Collect all the tools you require and set up a little workspace so that everything is easily accessible.
Step 2: Switch Off The Water
This is an important step if you don’t want to accidentally flood your home. Shut off the main water supply of your house.
Step 3: Empty The Pipes
There’s usually still some water within the piping system even if you’ve turned off the main. Run the shower for a few seconds to make sure there’s no water left over within the pipes.
Step 4: Remove the Tap Button
Depending on the type of tap you have, you’ll need to figure out the best way to remove your tap button. It might look like a “hot” and “cold” button, try removing this. You may need a spanner or something similar to help you out here.
Step 5: Remove the Handle
This part should be easy. It might simply slide off at this point or you may have to fiddle around a little more until your handle safely comes off, this depends on the type of handle you have.
Step 6: Remove the Bonnet
From here you have to unscrew the body of the tap which will reveal the jumper valve within.
Step 7: Remove the Washer
Once everything has become exposed you should be able to see the washer. Measure the size to help you find a replacement.
Step 8: Replace the Washer
Head to your local hardware store to find a brand-new washer similar to your old worn-out one.
Step 9: Put it all back together
Repeat the steps laid out above in reverse, and put it all back together again! Once you’ve successfully done this, you may turn your water back on and give it a test.
Need Help?
If you tried to follow the steps above but your shower is still leaking don’t fret. We can help you out. Plumbing Services Sydney is at your service. We specialise in all plumbing issues, big or small.
Wide Range of Services
We provide great service with a smile and a guaranteed price on all services to give you peace of mind. Whether it’s a hot water system installation, burst pipes, or cleaning needs, we can help.
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We are the leading plumbers in Sydney. Our services are aimed at solving any kind of issues you have with your plumbing system whether it is routine maintenance, clogged drains or gas fitting. We are available 24 hours for emergencies so call us anytime when you need help!
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You can rely on Plumbing Services Sydney to provide amazing service when you need it most. Our technicians work hard to give our customers the best experience possible even if they’re having an issue that requires special attention.
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We know that every household plumbing system is different, so we make sure to treat everyone’s needs with the same level of attention and care. Our services are suited for residential homes as well as commercial buildings like offices and restaurants, which means you never have to stress about where to go the next time your plumbing malfunctions.
Start Fixing Your Leaky Shower Today
If you live in Sydney and are looking for a plumber, give us a call at 1300 237 246. We can help with all your plumbing needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us! No matter the time of day or night we will always be ready and on standby to take your calls. Our team of plumbers will get your home up and running again in no time, and we guarantee that our prices will always be affordable to everyone.
