Beyond Bending Tell You How
A leaking sink mixer tap is a common household issue that can cause a lot of inconvenience and wastage of water. If left unattended, it can also lead to increased water bills and damage to your sink and surrounding areas. However, fixing a leaking sink mixer tap is not rocket science and can be done easily with the right tools and knowledge. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of sink mixer tap leaking, solutions to fix it, and prevention tips to avoid future leaks.
Causes of Sink Mixer Tap Leaking
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the common causes of sink mixer tap leaking:
Worn Out O-Rings
The O-rings inside the tap handle can wear out over time due to constant usage or mineral buildup. This can cause water to leak from the base of the tap handle.
Loose or Damaged Washers
The washers inside the tap handle can become loose, damaged or worn out, causing water to leak from the spout or handle. This can be caused by constant usage, mineral buildup or using excessive force to turn the tap on or off.
Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat inside the tap can corrode over time due to exposure to hard water or mineral buildup. This can cause water to leak from the spout even when the tap is turned off.
Loose or Damaged Plumbing Connections
The plumbing connections under the sink can become loose or damaged, causing water to leak from the base of the tap or from the pipes.
Solutions to Fix Sink Mixer Tap Leaking
Now that we have understood the common causes of sink mixer tap leaking, let’s discuss the solutions to fix it:
Replace the O-Rings
If the O-rings inside the tap handle are worn out or damaged, they need to be replaced. To do this, turn off the water supply to the tap, remove the handle, and replace the O-rings with new ones of the same size and shape.
Replace the Washers
If the washers inside the tap handle are loose, damaged or worn out, they need to be replaced. To do this, turn off the water supply to the tap, remove the handle, and replace the washers with new ones of the same size and shape.
Replace the Valve Seat
If the valve seat inside the tap is corroded, it needs to be replaced. To do this, turn off the water supply to the tap, remove the tap handle and spout, and replace the valve seat with a new one of the same size and shape.
Tighten or Replace Plumbing Connections
If the plumbing connections under the sink are loose or damaged, they need to be tightened or replaced. To do this, turn off the water supply to the sink, and use a wrench or pliers to tighten or replace the damaged connections.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Sink Mixer Tap Leaking
Here are some prevention tips to avoid sink mixer tap leaking:
Regular Maintenance
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your sink mixer tap can help prevent mineral buildup and damage to the internal components.
Use a Water Softener
Using a water softener can help prevent mineral buildup and corrosion of the internal components of your tap.
Avoid Using Excessive Force
Avoid using excessive force to turn the tap on or off, as this can damage the washers and O-rings inside the tap handle.
Call a Professional
If you are unsure about how to fix a leaking sink mixer tap, or if the issue persists despite your efforts, it’s best to call a professional plumber to help you out.
Conclusion
A leaking sink mixer tap can be a nuisance, but it’s not a difficult issue to fix. By understanding the common causes of sink mixer tap leaking, and following the solutions and prevention tips discussed in this article, you can save yourself from the inconvenience and expense of a leaking tap.
