If you have a leaking tap, don’t despair! There are ways to stop it – quickly and temporarily. Just keep in mind that these solutions are not permanent and you’ll need to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
How To Fix A Leaky Faucet Temporarily?
Here are four of the easiest ways to fix a leaky tap.
1. Use Putty
If the leak is coming from around the handle, you can try using putty.
Make sure the area is clean and dry before applying the putty. Then, form the putty into a ball and press it around the base of the handle. If there are any gaps, fill them in with more putty.
Once it’s in place, smooth it out with your finger and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
2. Epoxy Glue
If you can’t replace the washer right away, you can try using epoxy glue as a temporary fix. First, clean off the area around the leak with acetone or alcohol. Then apply epoxy glue to both surfaces of the hole. Press them together and hold for 30 seconds. Allow it to dry for 24 hours before turning on the water supply again.
3. Chewing Gum
Yes, chewing gum can actually help stop a leaky tap! Just make sure it’s sugar-free gum so it doesn’t clog up your pipes. Just joking.
First, chew a piece of gum until soft and stretchy. Then, wrap it around the base of the spout where it meets the sink and press it into place firmly. The gum will act as a sealant and should stop leaking until you can get a permanent fix in place.
Is A Temporary Solution A Good Solution?
Well, not quite. You see, the problem with these temporary solutions is that they are just that – temporary. They might buy you some time, but eventually, you’ll need to address the issue at hand.
Also, ignoring the problem for too long can cause even more damage. So, if you can’t fix the problem right away, be sure to check on the temporary solution often to make sure it’s still working and make repairs as necessary.
So, if you’re looking for a long-term solution, you’re better off doing the following.
How To Fix A Leaking Tap Permanently?
As we’ve said, a temporary solution won’t cut it. However, the good thing is a leaking tap is often caused by a worn washer, a loose valve, or corroded pipes.
Thankfully, these issues are relatively easy to fix and we’ll show you how to them all. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have that tap good as new in no time.
1. Tighten The Valve
To fix a leaky tap easily and permanently, simply tighten the valve with a wrench until it’s snug. Be careful not to over-tighten it, or you could strip the threads and cause even more leaks!
To be fair, most of the time a loose valve is not the root cause of a leaky tap. It’s more likely that the washer or cartridge is worn out and needs to be replaced. However, it’s always a good idea to check the valve first as it’s an easy and quick fix.
2. Inspect And Repair The Pipe
If the problem is with the actual pipe, then you’ll need to repair it as soon as possible.
Leaking pipes can cause serious water damage, so it’s best to leave this one to the professionals. On that note, you’re probably better off considering…
3. Call A Plumber
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills or if the problem appears to be more serious than a worn washer or loose valve, then your best bet is to click here and call a professional plumber. Plumbers have the tools and expertise to quickly identify and fix the problem, so you can get back to your daily routine without any further hassle.
4. Replace The Cartridge
If the problem is with the cartridge, then you’ll need to replace it with a new one. This is a fairly easy task that even beginner DIYers can handle. Simply remove the old cartridge and insert the new one into place. Then, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there aren’t any – you’ve successfully fixed the problem!
5. Fix The Washer
If the leak is coming from the spout, you can try replacing the rubber washer.
First, turn off the water supply to the taps. Next, use an adjustable wrench to remove the nut that is holding on to the washer. Be careful not to damage the finish on the taps as you work.
Once you have removed the old washer, take it with you to the hardware store so you can find an exact replacement. Install the new washer and reattach the nut. Turn on the water and check for leaks.
6. Replace The Faucet
If your tap is beyond repair, then your only option is to replace it entirely. This is a more involved project that will require some basic plumbing knowledge and tools. If you’re not confident in your abilities, then we recommend calling a professional plumber to handle this for you.
Is Calling A Plumber Really Necessary?
As you saw, in most cases, a leaking tap can be fixed with a simple washer replacement or a tightening of the valve.
However, if the problem appears to be more serious (e.g. a corroded pipe), then it’s probably best to call a professional plumber.
Moreover, to effectively diagnose plumbing issues, visit https://cleanline.ca/
Plumbers have the tools and expertise to quickly identify and fix the problem, so you can get back to your daily routine without any further hassle.
Conclusion
A leaking tap can be annoying but there are some easy ways to stop it temporarily until you can get a plumber to fix it permanently.
As we’ve said, in most cases, you can simply replace a worn washer or tighten a loose valve to stop the leak entirely.
However, if the problem appears to be more serious than that, then we recommend calling a professional plumber for help. Thanks for reading and we hope this article was helpful!
