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Why Is My Tap Dripping? Common Causes and How to Identify the Problem

Why Is My Tap Dripping? Common Causes and How to Identify the Problem

If you’re dealing with a dripping kitchen tap, you’re not alone. A leaking tap can be frustrating, and over time, it can waste water, raise your water bill, and even cause damage. Understanding the cause of the leak is the first step to solving the issue. In this post, we’ll explore the most common causes of a dripping kitchen tap, so you can better identify the problem before starting a repair.  Our follow on Post  How to fix a dripping Kitchen Tap – Step by Step Guide for quick repairs guides you through each DIY step once you have identified the cause of the drip, which you can find here.

Common Causes of a Dripping Tap

A kitchen tap can start dripping for several reasons. Let’s go over the most common causes that you should check for:

1. Worn-out Washers
   One of the most common reasons for a dripping tap is worn-out washers. Washers are designed to create a tight seal inside the valve, and over time, they degrade due to constant pressure and water flow. If you’re wondering why is my tap dripping from the base, worn-out washers might be the culprit.

2. Damaged Ceramic Discs
   If you have a quarter-turn tap, mineral buildup or debris like limescale can damage the ceramic disc. This damage can prevent the tap from sealing properly, which leads to a drip. This could be the reason you’re asking why is my tap dripping even when it’s off.

3. Damaged O-Rings
   O-rings are small rubber rings used to create a watertight seal between parts of the tap. If your tap is dripping from the spout, it’s possible that the O-rings are worn or cracked. This can result in water trickling from the spout even when the tap is turned off.

4. Faulty Tap Cartridges
   If you have a single-lever tap, the issue might lie with the tap cartridge. These are the parts that control water flow and temperature. A damaged cartridge can lead to a constant drip.

5. Spout Issues
   In some cases, the problem might be with the spout itself. This can include worn O-rings on the spout or even pinholes behind the O-rings that cause water to leak.

6. Corroded or Loose Components
   Mineral buildup, corrosion, or loose components in the tap’s valve can prevent it from sealing correctly. This is especially common in older taps.

How to Identify the Cause of Your Dripping Tap

Now that you know the common causes, here are some tips for identifying what’s causing the leak:

• Leaking from the Base: If water is leaking from the base of the tap, it’s likely due to a worn-out washer or O-ring.

• Leaking from the Spout: If the drip is coming from the spout, it’s often related to damaged O-rings or a pinhole in the spout itself.

• Constant Drip Even When Turned Off: This typically points to a damaged cartridge or ceramic disc.

By diagnosing the cause of the leak early, you can quickly move on to fixing the problem. If you’re unsure, don’t worry—we have a comprehensive guide here on how to fix a dripping tap, where we’ll walk you through each step of the repair process.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve checked all of the above and the tap continues to leak, it may be a more complex issue, like internal pipe damage. In that case, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to avoid further damage.

Want to Fix the Drip?

If you’ve identified the cause of the leak, you can move forward with the repair. Check out our full guide here on how to fix a dripping kitchen tap for detailed instructions, including how to replace washers, O-rings, cartridges, and more.

Contact us for Help:

You can contact us at any time for assistance in identifying the issue.  Just email us or use the contact button at the bottom of your screen.  Be sure to send us as much information as you have e.g the model / brand if you know it, and some pictures.