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Bathroom mixer tap dripping or leaking? What to do

Bathroom mixer tap dripping or leaking? What to do

By Benjamin Clarke | Published on 22nd June 2021

Mixer taps are incredibly popular in modern bathrooms and a more and more people are choosing them over the more traditional pair separate hot and cold water taps.

Mixer taps com with a range of benefits including:

  • Simple to use
  • Easy to get the perfect mix of hot and cold water
  • Stylish and contemporary design
  • Safe and economical

While mixer taps are undoubtably a positive addition to any bathroom, like any component that is used on a frequent basis, they are prone to occasionally dripping, leaking or not turning off.

A problematic mixer tap that is dripping or leaking is not only horribly irritating but will also waste water, which means wasting your money too. Sometimes fixing this issue is very easy, while other times it can require the assistance of a professional plumber.

A dripping or leaking mixer tap

A small amount of dripping when you initially close a mixer tap is perfectly normal and is not usually as sign anything is amiss. However, if this happens continuously for a sustained period of time, this indicates your tap has a problem that needs further investigation.

Often this issue is caused by turning the mixer tap too far on a regular basis. The washer inside gets overly compressed and misshapen and no loner provides a watertight seal.

1.Turn off the water supply. You will need to locate the stopcock and turn off the water before you start dismantling your tap, otherwise you’re going to end up with much more than just a leaky tap on your hands!

2. Remove the handle and the cover from the tap, or the combined handle and cover depending on what type of taps you have. Unscrew the tap headgear nut in order to remove the tap body. Put something over the plughole whilst fixing your taps to avoid losing small parts down it!

3. Put the new washer in place. If it’s being difficult to get the new washer over the pin, try applying some Vaseline to the area and pushing down.

4. Replace the headgear, holding the tap securely when tightening the nut. Put the water supply back on and check it’s working.

If this doesn't resolve the problem then it's possible the cartridge needs replacing. In this instance, get a profssional round to diagnose and deal with the issue properly.

A mixer tap that won't switch off

If you've got a mixer tap that is stuck on, then this needs addressing before it wastes a lot of water and potentially leads to a larger problem.

1 - Locate your mains water stopcock and turn it off. This should stop water flowing from your faulty tap and all of the other taps in your home.

2 - You can try removing the cover and handle from the tap and unscrewing the tap headgear nut.

3 - As per the instructions for a dripping tap, replace the washer, then the headgear and tighten it back up.

4 - Switch the water back on, turn the tap on and off and see if the roblem has been resolved.

If it hasn't then the best course of action is to call a professional plumber to come and resolve the situation, possibly by installing a new tap.

View our Taps & Brassware section

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