Dripping Taps & Leaks: Causes & Fixes
What Is a Dripping Tap?
Do you have a tap that keeps dripping even after you’ve turned it off tight? That steady drip means water is getting past a worn part inside the tap. The seal meant to stop the flow has worn down, allowing water to sneak through drop by drop.
Usually it’s a worn washer or a tired part inside the tap. It’s easy to put up with, but that drip is water you’re paying for every day. Leave it alone and it usually gets worse, not better.
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How To Tell If You Have a Dripping Tap or Leak
A Constant Dripping Sound
You hear a steady drip from the tap or under the sink, even when everything is turned off.
Water Pooling or Damp Spots
You notice water sitting around the base of a tap, under the sink or in the cupboard below.
A Higher Water Bill
Your water bill goes up, but nothing about how you use water has changed.
Stains or Marks
You see rust marks, water stains or a buildup around the tap, drain or pipe joints.
The Meter Keeps Moving
Turn off every tap in the house, and the water meter is still ticking over.
What Causes a Dripping Tap or Leak?
Worn Washers and Seals
The little washer inside your tap wears out over time, and once it goes, the tap can’t seal properly. Water keeps creeping through, and that’s what gives you the steady drip you just can’t seem to stop.
Worn or Loose
Fittings
The parts that join your pipes and taps slowly loosen or wear down with age. Once they do, water starts to sneak out from the joints, and that’s where your drips, leaks and damp patches come from.
Old Taps and
Pipes
Taps and pipes don’t last forever, and the older ones start breaking down on the inside. As those parts wear out, they leak far more easily, which is why drips tend to show up in older homes.
Is it a serious problem?
A dripping tap is easy to put up with, but it’s usually a sign that something inside has worn out and needs fixing. Usually it’s a worn washer, a loose fitting or an old tap that can’t seal properly anymore. The thing is, it won’t fix itself, and it only gets worse over time.
That small drip might not seem like much, but it wastes water all day and night and slowly pushes your bills up. Left alone, it can lead to water stains, damp cupboards or worse damage down the track. Sorting it early saves you money and stops a small job turning into a big repair.
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DIY Checks You Can Try
Before you pick up the phone and call a plumber, there are a few things you can try yourself. They’ll help you work out whether it’s something small or something that needs a professional.
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