Leaking taps not only make annoying noise and waste a lot of water but can also strain your residential drains by making them work overtime. Additionally, the leaks can encourage mould to grow by raising humidity levels in a room. If you have tap drips in your home, you should get them fixed ASAP to avoid or minimise these problems.

But what causes tap leaks in the first place? Many different factors can contribute to this problem. Continue reading on to find out why your tap may drip.

1. Loose Parts

Taps comprise parts that may become loose over time from normal use. Before you call a plumber, try tightening the adjusting ring and packing nut with an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers.

If the problem doesn't go away, install new packing. If it still persists, it's likely that some parts within the tap are damaged and need to be replaced. It's best to call a plumber when tap repair work involves disassembling the entire water fixture.

2. Worn Out Parts

Over time, the parts within your taps will get damaged due to general wear and tear. The main parts that can become worn out and lead to tap leaks are the washer, O-ring, cartridge and valve seat.

When you need to replace one of these components, you'll need to disassemble the entire tap. This means you can have the other components replaced at the same time. This can save you the trouble of having to take your tap apart again a few months down the line.

When purchasing replacement parts for your tap, it's vitally important to choose products that are compatible with it.

3. Excessive Water Pressure

Household taps have a limit to the amount of water pressure they can handle. If the pressure at your cold water taps is higher than they can handle, leaking issues are bound to arise. While your municipal council or local water company determines the pressure of your water connection, adjusting your home's water pressure at the water pressure regulator can reduce the pressure to a safe level that won't cause your taps to leak.

Although they won't cause water damage to your home because they go down the sink or shower drains, leaking taps can be detrimental to you and your home in so many ways. Don't hesitate to contact a residential plumber near you to learn more about leaking tap repair.