5 Signs Your Tapware Needs Replacing
Written by Mia Elliot
Taps are something most homeowners forget about after a while. They have a purpose in the home's plumbing setup and it comes down to understanding what your options are. A lot of people deal with damaged and/or leaking taps that ruin their bathroom, kitchen, and/or laundry room. It can also lead to a situation where your water bills go through the roof too because of the dripping that takes place. It is estimated people end up losing up to 24,000 litres of water because of this. Here are some of the most common signs that the tap has to be replaced.
Looking to get your tapware replaced? Get in touch with SE Plumbing Suppliers today.
1. Continued Dripping
When you turn off the tap, the water should stop flowing. However, this doesn't always happen with an ageing tap that has worn down.
According to hydro expert Matt Parker, a dripping tap is a worrying sign. “When you turn off the tap, maybe there’s some small dripping as soon as it’s turned off. That’s pretty natural. But when you know you’ve turned it off completely and it’s still dripping after a few hours, you may have a plumbing problem.”
There might be a small trickle of water that continues to flow through leading to that annoying dripping noise. Some people try to aggressively turn off the water and it does work for a bit but the problem will persist after a while.
2. Reduced Water Pressure
When you turn on the water, you will notice it is just not as strong as it used to be. This is a common sign that the tap has been worn down.
Tony Kounnas, who runs a water tank company, notes that reduced water pressure can only mean one thing. “When you know you’re cranking up the shower or the tap and it’s coming out as if you’ve barely turned it on, your taps are crook. Turning the taps to the maximum isn't going to fix anything, you’ve got to get on the phone to a plumber as soon as you can.”
You will notice fluctuations in how the water flows and it often has to do with mineral build-up or a blockage. Ignoring this issue won't work and it will not go away. The best option is to speak to a plumber for more information on what can be done.
3. Internal Washers Have Worn Down
When the washers start to give out, this can become the number one reason why there is a leak. It is something that can be difficult to fix. Just replacing the washer isn't going to get the job done as it is only a short-term solution for the problem. A lot of older tap products tend to have weaker washers that just don't age well as time goes on. This is why it's important to look for a long-term solution that is going to come in the form of a ceramic washer. It is also possible to move forward with a potential alternative that has longer-lasting components.
4. Staining and/or Cracked Handles
Some taps start to stain and that can lead to cracks or discolouration. When this happens, it is time to start looking for tap replacements because things are only going to get worse from here.
For Michael Yousef, an architectural entrepreneur, seeing these within a bathroom or kitchen is a worrying sign. “The cracks may start out small, but over time you’ll come to notice them easily. That’s why you need someone to have a look at them as soon as you notice something that seems a bit off about them.”
In most cases, the average tap is going to last for at least a decade. As soon as a tap crosses this point, they may be going to start to damage the home along with spilling water everywhere which can increase your water bill over time. A lot of property owners also mention the presence of mould when this happens and it can start to do quite a bit of damage to the home as a result.
5. Loud Noises
It is also possible the tap starts producing weird and/or loud noises. This can include things such as whistles, screeches, echoes, or shudders in the pipes. You will know something is off as soon as you turn on the tap and these noises flood into the room. This has to do with water pressure being too high and a part of the tap being broken or in bad shape. This is something you will want to think about when speaking to a specialist that comes in for a peek.
You want to always make sure your tapware is in perfect shape. But when it isn’t, that’s when you need to call SE Plumbing Suppliers.
With qualified agents and the best deals on all of your plumbing needs, SE Plumbing Suppliers will have the plumbing solutions you’ve been looking for. Get in touch with the team today for more info!
