Is your kitchen mixer tap leaking? Well, a leaking tap wastes water and might also result in higher water bills along with possible damage to your cabinetry. Fortunately, the first part of this saves you money and gives you a sense of accomplishment because fixing a leaky tap is generally viewed as an achievable do-it-yourself task. This guide will help you discover the cause of the leak plus give you a step-by-step process to fix that kitchen tap that keeps leaking.
Understanding the Problem: Why Is My Kitchen Mixer Tap Leaking?
Before you start to fix a leaking tap, it’s better to get familiar with some common reasons why this kitchen mixer taps often leak. Here are some typical causes:
1. Worn Washers: Normally rubber washers wear out over time and become fragile and cracked.
2. Damaged O-Rings: O-rings are seals placed in the handle of the tap.
3. Damaged Washers: Just like the defective O-rings, damaged washers are as harmful. In the event whereby they become damaged, they can cause leaks from the handle area.
4. Corroded Valve Seat: This is the part that faucet washer rests on. If it is corroded, then seating is not proper; hence, it will lead to a leak.
5. Loose Parts: If there are any screws or bolts within your kitchen mixer tap and they are loose, this will be the cause of a leak.
By knowing the problem, you can decide what kind of repair to do for a leaking tap.
Tools and Materials Needed to Fix a Leaking Tap Here’s a simple checklist:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips)
- Replacement washers or O-rings (of the correct size required)
- Plumber's grease
- Towels or a small container to catch water
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing/Repairing a Leaky Kitchen Tap
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Before you start the repair process, kindly give foremost attention to turning off the water supply. This small precaution will prevent the prospect of any further little flooding. Water shut-off valves are generally located under the sink. Close them by rotating in a clockwise direction for closing.
Step 2: Allow the Tap to Dry After shutting off the water supply
Open the tap and allow any remnants of water in the water lines to flow out. This step will prevent water from splashing during your fixing process.
Step 3: Remove Tap Handle
This will allow you to access all the internal parts of your kitchen mixer tap. Remember, there might be some screws behind a decorative cap depending on the design of your tap. Undo them with a suitable screwdriver. Lift off the handle carefully.
Step 4: Check the O-Ring and Washer
Pull out the cartridge. Done: Now, you will have access to the O-ring and washer. Inspect them. Look closely at both components to see if they are worn or have cracked or misshapen in any way. If so, here is their replacement.
Step 5: Remove the Cartridge or Valve
In case of a leaking mixer tap, you may require removing the cartridge. It is that part that allows water to flow. Different types of taps will have the cartridge pulled up one pull, while others might need a wrench to do away with a retaining nut loosening it. Ensure that you observe how it was assembled for an easy time putting it back together.Check inside for any damage or corrosion on the valve.
Step 6: Replace the O-Ring or Washer
If you have found one of these pieces worn, it will be better if you replaced them. Depending on your tap, purchase the washers from any of the local hardware stores adjacent to your place.
Ensure that they specifically fit the size of your tap. Prior to fixing them, ensure to clean around where the washer and O-ring sit. Apply a thin film of plumber's grease to the new washers; this will help in establishing a good seal and ease the installation process.
Step 7: Reassemble the Tap
Replace the cartridge with the new parts in place in its position inside the tap body. Insert all retaining nuts and tighten them securely, but be careful not to overtighten as it might cause more damage than good. You can then replace the handle by screwing it back in place using the screws that you had removed earlier. If there was a decorative cap present, replace it back to its position.
Step 8: It’s Time to Turn the Water Supply Back On
When everything has been reassembled, you will now turn your water supply back on. Get back under the sink and turn the shut-off valves counterclockwise to restore water flow.Step 9: Test for LeaksTurn the tap on after reactivating the water supply and off several times to verify if there are no more leaks. Check around the area where you worked, at the handle and at the base. If there’s any leaking, take it apart again and verify that all components are well placed.
A leaky kitchen tap does not only give you a DIY of a rewarding nature, but it saves you money on your bill and could protect the kitchen from water damage. By following the information in this comprehensive guide, steps related to problems with a leaking mixer tap will be effortlessly completed. In addition to this, after reading the guide below, retroactive regular maintenance of the kitchen mixer tap will prove helpful in curbing future leaks. And, in case you find leaks persisting and proving to be too much for you to handle, it would be prudent to get a recommendation and help from a professional plumber.Suitable for rolling up sleeves and getting a gratifying fix on the kitchen tap.
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