How to fix a leaking tap?

A leaking tap wastes a large amount of water and increases the cost of its use. The repair should be carried out as soon as possible when you notice unsettling dripping. Sometimes it's enough to replace the worn gasket. You'll avoid buying a new movable spout for the kitchen and bathroom faucet, which involves much higher costs than purchasing a gasket.

What will you learn from this article?

A leaking tap is a problem that should be solved as soon as possible. In most cases, you can handle this on your own, and when the situation is more serious, you can get help from a specialist. From this article you'll learn:

• What are the causes of a leaking tap.

• How to replace the head or gasket on a faulty tap.

• When a new spout for the kitchen and single-lever faucet is required.

Why is a quick repair of a leaking tap necessary?

If water drips from the tap every second, you'll lose 17 litres in 24 hours. This is a significant burden on the household budget. It's not the only reason to react quickly.

A leaking tap in the kitchen and bathroom is very irritating and reduces the aesthetics of the interior. After some time, drops of hot and cold water will discolour the sanitary ware. The sink and washbasin will show deposits that are difficult to remove, and even rust.

It is better to eliminate the source of the water leak than to buy a new bathroom sink or kitchen sink.

How to fix a leaking tap step by step

When water drips from the tap every two seconds, you need to replace the old gasket, head, or the entire faucet. Check how to replace the faucet in the washbasin to ensure effective water flow to the bathroom. However, before you make radical decisions, make sure the head is in good condition. To do this:

1. Remove the red-blue caps.

2. Unscrew the inner screw.

3. Remove the faucet handle and ring.

4. Check the condition of the nut holding the head. Sometimes it needs tightening when water leaks from the tap. If that didn't help, proceed with further actions.

5. Unscrew the nut.

6. Replace the head.

Check why the tap leaks after turning off

The most common reason for a leaking tap is faulty movable elements, which can be quickly and easily replaced. They wear out during use and after some time are the cause of failure. Leakage very often occurs:

• at the spout,

• next to the knob pins,

• between the head and the gland.

If water dripping from the tap occurs when it is turned on, it's most likely a gasket failure. However, if water leaks from below a closed tap, the problem is with the gasket on the head. In case of an uneven stream and water splashes, check if the aerator is not airlocked or damaged.

If you want to effectively repair a leaking tap, you need to locate the source of the problem and fix the failure. You can diagnose this yourself or with the help of a specialist.

Reasons why water drips from under the head

If the tap leaks from under the head, the cause should be sought in a loosely tightened gland. To access it, follow these instructions:

1. Remove the cap.

2. Unscrew the inner screw and knob.

3. Tighten the gland on the pin. You'll need an open-end wrench or adjustable spanner.

If the water continues to drip from the tap, the gasket on the head must be replaced:

1. Unscrew the cap.

2. Remove the screw and knobs.

3. Unscrew and remove the head.

4. Unscrew the retaining nut and remove the gasket.

5. Install a new gasket.

6. Screw in the head.

7. Install the knobs and cap.

Repair of a tap leaking at the spout

Different elements of the tap can malfunction. One of them is the spout, and precisely the gasket located next to it. Check if it is tight. If there are abrasions, it looks worn, is stiff or breaks under pressure, be sure to replace the gasket before having to buy an entire tap.

1. Use an adjustable spanner or simple wrench to disassemble the mounting screw.

2. Remove the old gasket.

3. Thoroughly clean the place where the gasket was. Degrease it with a chemical or homemade remedy, such as vinegar.

4. Install a new gasket.

5. Mount the spout for the faucet.

6. Tighten the retaining nut. Don't do it too tightly to avoid losing the free movement of the tap from side to side.

7. Check if the leaking tap has been successfully repaired. Good quality products, with proper assembly, are tight and solve the cause of leakage.

During the disassembly of the spout, it's worth checking the state of the aerator. After some time, it requires cleaning. Simply rinse it under running water. If intensive descaling is necessary, it's worth immersing it in a mixture of water with vinegar or citric acid for a few minutes. You can also use professional descaling agents. During cleaning, it is important to check if it is not damaged. Sometimes it needs replacement.

When a dripping tap does not leave you at peace, buy a new spout for the single-lever and kitchen faucet

If the tap leaks from the spout, and replacing the gasket did not produce the expected results, invest in a new spout. Check which company your tap is from. Also learn how to choose a faucet for the washbasin if the entire sanitary ware needs replacement.

1. Shut off the cold and hot water supply.

2. Turn on the tap to drain the remaining water from it.

3. Find the connection point of the spout with the rest of the faucet. It's usually a threaded connection or a clamp. You'll need an adjustable spanner or a pipe wrench for unscrewing.

4. Remove the old spout.

5. Install the new spout. Make sure the set contains a complete set of gaskets and that they are properly tightened. Only then will the repair of the washbasin tap be successful.

6. Check for leaks. To do this, open the water valves and verify that none of the critical locations are leaking. Make sure the spout works correctly, and the water stream is smooth.

If you need to invest in a new kitchen faucet, check which is better: chromed or steel.

If repairing the leaking tap is complicated for you, get help from a specialist

If the tap leaks after replacing the head and gasket, and none of the above repair methods work, it's worth consulting a plumber. They'll professionally check the condition of all tap components and use the appropriate tools to repair it. Then you can be sure that a leaking tap in the bath, at the washbasin or sink, will no longer be your problem.

We encourage you to try to repair a leaking spout faucet on your own. It gives a lot of satisfaction, and also saves you a lot of money. It's worth equipping yourself with the right tools, like a flat wrench. You'll be able to make minor repairs on your own at home. It only takes a bit of willingness and using the right guides.