What causes a leaking tap | Network Know How | Sydney

Taps use parts (mostly rubber or ceramic) to create a seal when the tap is closed that prevents water from running. When one of those eats is worn out you get a leaky tap.

On your standard tap there are 3 rubber parts that can cause your tap to leak:

1. The washer

2. The O ring

3. The jumper valve

Replacing the parts

When you need to replace one of these parts the tap needs to be dis-assembled. So whilst you are replacing one part, it is just as easy to do the others at the same time. The replacement parts are low cost and it shouldn’t take long for a licensed plumber to carry out the replacement and repair.

Tips

* To prolong your taps life, you should not over tighten your rubber washers. Only close the taps tight enough that it stops running.

* The best was to tell which tap you have is to turn its handle. If it rotates just a half or quarter, it is most probably equipped with a ceramic disc. If its handle rotates more than this then it has a rubber washer.

* Waterproof lubricant also helps in prolonging the life of your spindles and o-rings.

Network Plumbing can turn up to your house fully equipped with a range of tapware and parts. We can fix your old taps, or if you decide to upgrade, our technicians can advise you on the best option.