It's not only an inconvenience if your tap won't turn off, but it can also end up costing you a lot of money, both in terms of your energy bills and the damage caused to your home. So, if your tap suddenly won't turn off, it pays to know what the problem could be and how to fix it. The most common reasons why a tap won't turn off are:
- The tap handle is stripped
- The tap needs a new washer
- The valve is broken
Below, we take a look at these causes in more detail and explain how to fix them.
REASONS WHY YOUR TAP ISN’T TURNING OFF
There is a number of potential reasons preventing you from turning your tap off completely. However, before you try to identify the cause or make any efforts to fix the tap, it is important that you turn off the mains water - and quickly. Most taps for the mains water are located under the kitchen sink, but it's worth checking this now so you know for future reference. The three main reasons why taps won't turn off are:
THE TAP HANDLE IS STRIPPED
If, when you try to turn off your tap, it just continues to spin, the problem is likely to be that your tap has a stripped handle, meaning it can't thread correctly. This is most likely caused by corrosion, which tends to occur over time. In this situation, the best thing to do is entirely replace the tap handle. Even if it's just one tap that's the problem, it's recommended that you replace both of them at the same time.
THE TAP NEEDS A NEW WASHER
It is possible that the washer on your tap is broken. This could be either a simple crack or wear and tear from continuous use and is a fairly common problem. It's possible to attempt to take the tap apart yourself and replace the washer, but if you aren't sure how to do this, it is best to contact a plumber. They will be able to check the tap over for you and either replace the washer or locate the problem if this isn't the actual cause.
THE VALVE IS BROKEN
With lots of daily use, it's not uncommon for the valve in your tap to get broken or become worn. If this happens, you can try replacing the valve yourself. You will need to remove the handle and any possible shroud covering the valve in order to replace it. If you are having trouble removing the valve, especially if you have older taps, using some WD40 can help to loosen it. Of course, you could get in touch with a plumber instead if you're not knowledgeable about DIY.
STILL GOT ISSUES WITH YOUR TAPS?
If you live in Dubbo and you still need help with your leaking taps, make sure to
get in contact with us at
0438 770 797 for help. Our friendly and skilled staff at
GPS Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting will be happy to help fix the problem for you.
