Dripping Tap Driving You Nuts?
Is there a dripping tap keeping you up all night? We know the feeling.
Mr Emergency has more than seven years of plumbing experience and fixing a leaking tap is no problem. Our experienced plumbers are available 24/7 for whatever plumbing work you need doing. We even have tapware experts on standby for service 30 minutes after your call*.
Whether it’s your kitchen mixer tap leaking or that old tap outside, our team has the skills to stop a leak dead in its tracks. From simple repairs like changing the tap washer to full tap replacements, we do it all. We even carry taps and common parts in our vans, so can often fix it on the spot.
How’s that drip going? Can you still hear it? It might be something as simple as a broken washer or it might be more complex than that. Don’t delay, Mr Emergency has swift tap repairs and replacements just 30 minutes* after your call. Contact us now and we’ll restore silence in your home today with expert tap repairs.
What's the Cause of a Leaking Tap?
The cause of a leaking tap in your home could be a very minor issue, or it might be a sign of some major, systemic plumbing problems. This is why it’s important you have a professional plumber out to assess the leak.
With our years of industry experience, we’ve seen all the causes of leaking taps you can think of, including:
- Damaged or corroded tap washer
- Improperly installed tapware
- Damaged or loose O-ring
- Old or damaged cartridge
- Mineral buildup or damage from use on the valve seat
- Loose tapware parts
- Water pressure over 500 kPa
- Damaged or corroded pipes
- General wear and tear due to age
Some types of taps are prone to leaks more than others. Our plumbers will inspect your tap to find the cause of the leak and suggest the most appropriate ways to fix it.
This could include regreasing and reseating the spindle threads or replacing the tap washer and O-rings. More major problems like excessive water pressure could mean you need a pressure limiting valve installed, or heavily corroded pipes might need relining or replacing.
Sometimes a tap might be beyond repair. Replacing it with new tapware could be more cost-effective. New taps can also give your laundry, kitchen or bathroom a much-needed facelift.
What Do I Need to Fix a Leaking Tap?
If you’re dealing with a pesky dripping tap, you might be wondering: “What do I need to fix this annoying leaking tap?”
If you’re not confident with a DIY repair, call the leaking tap experts at Mr Emergency.
But if you’re prepared to make a quick trip to the local hardware store, fixing a leaking tap can be simpler than you might think.
Here’s a quick rundown of the essential tools and materials you’ll need:
- Adjustable wrench (or shifting wrench): This handy tool will help you loosen and remove the tap handle and other components.
- Replacement parts: Identify the specific parts that need replacing. It could be worn-out washers, O-ring, or cartridge, depending on your tap type. Make sure you purchase the correct replacements and everything is the correct size.
- Screwdriver: You might need a screwdriver to remove screws holding parts of the tap together.
- Needle nose pliers: These pliers may be needed for the more delicate work.
- Plumber’s tape: Also known as Teflon tape or threat seal tape, this helps create a tight seal when reassembling the tap. Gaffer tape and a resealing kit may also come in handy.
- Bucket and towels: Have these on hand to catch any excess water and to keep your workspace dry.
- Safety glasses: It’s always a good idea to protect your eyes while working on plumbing.
- Pen and paper: Take notes and make sketches as you disassemble the tap to ensure you can put it back together correctly.
- Patience: Most importantly, bring a little patience to the job. Take your time, follow instructions carefully, and don’t rush the process.
With all the correct tools in your toolkit and a bit of DIY spirit, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle that annoying leak and enjoy a drip-free tap in no time. But if you replace the washer with a new washer and the tap is still leaking, it’s time to call a qualified plumber from Mr Emergency.
How Do I Fix a Leaking Tap?
Don’t worry – you don’t have to be a plumbing expert to tackle this common household issue. However, if you’re not confident in a DIY fix, call a professional from Mr Emergency. You don’t want to end up with a giant mess.
You may know what a washer and jumper valves look like, but that doesn’t make DIY repairs an easy exercise.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how a qualified plumber will fix a leaking tap:
- Turn off the water supply: First things first, shut off the main water supply to the tap you’re working on. You’ll usually find a valve beneath the sink or near the tap itself. Turn it clockwise until it’s fully closed to stop the water flow.
- Remove the tap handle: Use a screwdriver or an adjustable wrench to carefully remove the handle of the tap. There might be a screw or a cap or a cover plate that needs to be taken off first. Keep the parts in order so you can easily reassemble them later.
- Access the cartridge or washer: Depending on your tap body type, you’ll either find a cartridge or a washer. Inspect these components for wear and tear. If you see any damage, it’s time for a replacement. Use a rubber washer if required.
- Replace the faulty parts: Head to your local hardware store to pick up a new cartridge or washer that matches your tap model. Install the new part in place of the old, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reassemble and test: Carefully put the tap handle back on, ensuring everything aligns correctly. Turn on the water supply and test your tap to make sure the leak is gone. Make sure the tap turns on easily. If it’s still dripping, you may need to double-check your work or seek professional assistance.
Fixing a leaking tap can be an easy DIY task but sometimes it isn’t that simple. Dripping taps can be covering more serious problems.
We can share a sneaky tip or two on fixing a leaky faucet, but there’s no substitute for training and experience. Most taps might seem easy to fix but when you need that extra plumbing help, make sure you call the qualified professionals at Mr Emergency.
When to Call a Professional for Leaking Tap Repair
Knowing when to call in a professional for leaking tap repair is crucial to prevent potential plumbing disasters. While many tap leaks can be fixed by DIY enthusiasts, there are situations where expert help is the safer choice:
- Persistent leaks: If you’ve tried fixing the tap yourself and it’s still leaking, or the problem keeps coming back, it’s time to call a pro. Persistent leaks can indicate more significant underlying issues that require professional assessment.
- Complex tap types: Some taps, especially modern or specialised designs, can be tricky to repair without the right knowledge and tools. If you’re dealing with a tap body that’s not the standard type, it’s wise to let a professional handle it.
- Old plumbing: In older homes, plumbing systems can be fragile and prone to hidden problems. If your tap is part of an ageing plumbing system, it’s best to have a professional assess the situation to avoid making matters worse.
- Multiple leaks: When you have multiple taps leaking simultaneously or several plumbing issues in your home, it’s a sign that something more extensive may be going wrong. A professional plumber can perform a comprehensive inspection and address all the issues efficiently.
- Lack of experience: If you’re not comfortable with DIY plumbing and don’t know what a washer and jumper valve look like, it’s safer to hire a professional. Attempting a repair without the necessary skills can lead to further damage or even personal injury.
Remember that a small investment in professional help can save you from costly repairs and water damage down the line. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a skilled plumber to ensure your leaking tap gets fixed properly.
Same-Day Leaking Tap Repairs
Don’t wait until your water bill increases to get leaking tap repairs. Mr Emergency has plumbers available today to fix a leaking tap.
Mr Emergency vans are fully stocked with common tools, parts and even some taps so we can fix a leaking tap then and there. We don’t need to run to the shops to buy the parts we need. If there’s a specific tap you’d like, we can source that for you too.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we can work around your busy schedule. Our prices are the same no matter what day or time you need us. There’s no need to take time off work for a leaking tap repair when Mr Emergency can save the day, night or public holiday, all for the same price.
Expert Tap Replacements
So you’ve opted to replace your old taps whether it’s because you’ve sprung a leak or it’s just time to freshen up. Mr Emergency has tap replacement experts who can install those new taps for you today.
Our plumbers can install any and all types of taps, including:
- Mixer taps
- Pillar taps
- Monobloc taps
- Washer taps
- Dish taps
- Bill taps
- Cartridge taps
We can supply your brand-new set of taps, or you can give us the set you want to be installed. Call Mr Emergency when you need professional assistance to fix a leaky tap or for a tap replacement.
Finance Options** Tap Repair
A leaking tap tend to happen unexpectedly. We don’t think that you should suffer from high water bills and a bad conscience from wasting water if you don’t have to. That’s why Mr Emergency offers eligible customers a range of finance options** payment plans on all tap repairs.
Simply choose a payment plan with one of our providers, Zip or Humm. You get the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, depending on your choice of provider. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so you pay nothing upfront.
Your on-site technician can take you through the easy application process and approval usually takes only a few minutes. Then your Mr Emergency plumber can get on with fixing your dripping tap.
We also accept payment by cash, cheque, direct transfer and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). Mr Emergency charges the same rates at all hours, 24/7. Whether it’s Tuesday morning or Sunday afternoon, you pay the same rates.
Don’t let your tap leak for another day more than it has. When you need to contact a plumber for leaky taps, Mr Emergency can zip that drip for you today.