How to Fix a Leaky Tap and Save Money on Your Water Bill
A single leaky tap might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can waste an enormous amount of water over time. In fact, a tap dripping just once per second can waste over 15,000 litres of water per year. Beyond the environmental impact, this directly translates to higher water bills for your household.
The good news is that fixing a leaky tap is often straightforward and doesn't always require calling a professional plumber. Most tap leaks are caused by worn washers or seals inside the tap mechanism, which are inexpensive to replace.
What You'll Need
- An adjustable spanner or wrench
- A screwdriver (usually flathead)
- Replacement washers and seals (available from any hardware shop)
- A bucket or towel to catch water
- Plumber's tape (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Guide
First, turn off the water supply to your tap. Under the sink, you'll find isolation valves on the hot and cold pipes. Turn these clockwise until they stop. If you can't find them or they don't work, you may need to shut off the main water supply.
Next, open the tap to release any remaining water pressure. Place a bucket underneath to catch any drips. Using your spanner, carefully unscrew the packing nut (the hexagonal nut just below the tap handle). Turn it anticlockwise gently.
Once the nut is loose, you can remove the tap handle and the spindle. Inside, you'll find the washer and O-ring that likely need replacing. Remove these old components and take them to a hardware shop to ensure you buy the correct size replacements.
Install the new washer and O-ring, reassemble everything in reverse order, and test your tap. Make sure to turn the isolation valves back on.
When to Call a Professional
If the tap continues to leak after you've replaced the washer, or if you're uncomfortable working with plumbing fixtures, it's time to contact a qualified plumber. Sometimes the tap seat itself becomes damaged and needs professional resurfacing or replacement.
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs of leaky taps can save your household significant money on water bills whilst also helping to conserve this precious resource. Most tap repairs take less than 30 minutes once you have the right parts.