Clear signs that you need to replace tap washers

They are a tiny but important part of your home's plumbing system. The average house probably has around 15, many larger properties will have many more. The humble tap washer plays a crucial part in controlling how freshwater flows around your home.

Usually, we don't even notice they are there. They last years without needing attention but when they fail these small components can have a big impact on your home.

Here are just a few signs that the tap washers around your home could need attention.

Dripping tap

The most obvious sign is a constantly dripping tap. Everyone has experienced the monotonous drip, drip, drip of a slow leaking tap in their home at one time or another. People tend to fall into two categories with that type of sound, it drives them insane or they just switch off and don't hear it at all after a day or two.

Obviously leaving the tap till you're batty or it wastes countless litres of water is not an ideal situation. Replacing tap valves or washers is a straightforward job, don't put up with a leaking tap get fixed as soon as possible.

Hard to turn

Taps can get more and more difficult to turn on or off if the washer or o-ring seal is getting old and worn. If you really have to put your shoulder into the movement to stop the tap running or turn it on it probably needs attention.

Hammer time

Does your home plumbing sound like a drum kit falling down the stairs? This is water hammer, and it can be incredibly annoying. The loud banging sound when someone in the house uses a tap or the washing machine runs through the rinse cycle can be caused by eroded tap parts.

We recommend consulting a licenced plumber to get to the bottom of water hammer issues which may just be related to the tap valve or washer but could also be a sign of other issues.

Noisy taps

Does a screeching sound come from certain taps when you turn them on? Worn tap washers or those with sediment build-up around the seat can cause loud squealing sounds to occur. Noisy taps can be disruptive, especially in a quiet house at night.

If a tap is not repaired it can eventually fail altogether, losing its ability to close off and stop the flow of water. This can happen at any time of the day or night, when you're home or when you're out.

Replacing a tap washer, o-ring, mixer tap cartridge or tap valve is usually a simple job. We recommend getting several taps serviced in one plumber visit to save money. Group taps around the same age together, if one is failing the others will probably be on the way out as well.

Need help with your taps in the Sutherland Shire or Sydney? Contact our plumbing team today.