According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks collectively waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water every year in the US. So while a dripping tap might not seem like a major issue, it certainly adds up.

With that in mind, a small problem like a dripping tap should be fairly easy to fix, right? Well, that’s not always the case. A dripping tap problem can occur for various reasons. As such, there are various potential solutions, and the best one will depend on the specific issue.

So when should you try a DIY dripping tap fix and when should you hire a professional plumber?

Keep reading through this guide to find out.

Potential Causes of a Dripping Tap Problem

When first installed, a tap shouldn’t drip at all. After some time, however, it’s not uncommon for a drip to develop. Before you start looking at dripping tap solutions, you should try to determine what’s causing the issue.

Worn Out Parts

Even if you look after your bathroom fixtures very well, time will take a toll. Like everything, general wear and tear can cause issues with taps.

In such a case, the best approach to take can depend on the tap itself. With standard taps, the worn part could be any common component, such as a:

• Washer
• O-ring
• Jumper valve

Replacing the relevant part could eliminate the leak.

Newer taps have different parts, and these can be a bit less common. Despite that, if a specific part (such as a ceramic) dish is clearly worn, you may be able to resolve the issue by replacing it.

It’s worth noting that routine maintenance will keep your taps in better shape for longer. As a result, drips will be less likely to occur.

Damage to the Valve

Damage can occur in a range of ways, and this could result in a drip or various other issues. This may happen if anything hits the tap, in which case, you’re likely to be aware of the damage straight away. However, there can be other sources of damage that are less obvious.

For example, a change in the water pressure could damage the valve that controls the tap. A problem with the pipes connected to a tap could also do this.

If you notice a drip or a leak from one tap, it’s worth checking the others in your property. If multiple taps are dripping, then there’s probably an issue with the pipes.

Fix a Leaking Tap Yourself

It’s worth bearing in mind that you should only attempt to fix a dripping tap yourself if you’re confident in your abilities. If you do anything wrong, you could do more harm than good. You may then end up having to pay even more for more significant repairs.

For a small issue like a worn washer, you might decide to go the DIY route. In this case, you should be able to find replacement parts at your local hardware supplier. If you don’t already have the tools you need, you should be able to get those from the same place.

Make sure you know the details of your tap before you go. There are different-sized parts available, so you want to ensure you get components that match.

If you don’t have the confidence to take care of smaller repairs yourself, you can hire a professional plumber for dripping taps. They have the expertise to assess the issue and replace any worn or damaged parts with ease.

You might also want to do this simply out of preference. If you don’t have the time to deal with the issue, you can hire a plumber as they’ll be far more efficient.

When to Hire a Plumber

With smaller issues, you can decide whether or not to hire a plumber. If you have a more significant problem, then hiring a professional is highly recommended.

For example, if you have multiple dripping taps (as we discussed above), then there’s likely a problem with the pipes. This is something that you should never tackle on your own, and you should only entrust any repair work to a qualified professional. There are several key benefits to hiring a professional plumber.

They’re far more likely to be able to correctly identify the issue and determine the best solution. They can then carry out the work properly, eliminating the drip and potentially preventing it from returning.

Additionally, reliable plumbers should be licensed and ensured. This will give you peace of mind as it shows that they know what they’re doing. If there are any unexpected issues or damages, their insurance will provide protection so you don’t end up losing more money.

Preparing Before a Plumber Arrives

To ensure everything goes smoothly, you should prepare your home for when the plumber arrives.

Start by clearing out any cupboard space that’s connected to the dripping tap. This will give them easy access and can save some time.

You should ask the plumber about their quoting process. You want to make sure any estimate covers everything including parts and labor. Otherwise, you could end up being hit with unexpected fees.

It can be a good idea to ask them if there’s anything else specific they want you to do before they arrive. For example, they may want you to turn off the water so they can get started straight away when they arrive.

Once they’re finished, ask about routine maintenance you can do. They’ll likely be able to give you some tips that will help you avoid a dripping tap in the future.

Dealing With a Dripping Tap Problem

Several issues can lead to a dripping tap problem, so it’s important to figure out what the cause is so you can find the best solution. You may be prepared to take on a small repair job yourself, but the best way to ensure things are done right is to hire a professional plumber.

Suburban Plumbing is a professional plumbing company serving clients throughout Orange County. We offer a full range of services (including emergency repair) and have over 30 years of experience. Contact us today to get your free quote.