Hard water is a common reason taps fail in Brighton and Hove. Minerals build up inside cartridges, valves and aerators, so mixers become stiff, noisy, uneven or slow to shut off. Because the build-up is gradual, a tap can seem fine for years and then start to drip.
Warning Signs
Most failing taps give some notice. Look out for these signs.
- A tap that drips after you turn it off
- A mixer handle that feels stiff or gritty
- Water leaking around the base
- An isolation valve that will not turn
- A flow that is uneven or splutters
One sign on its own is often minor. However, a drip that keeps returning wastes water, and it can stain the basin or damage the cabinet below.
Repair Or Replace
Some taps can be repaired with a new cartridge, washer or valve as part of a standard tap repair visit. Older taps, badly corroded fittings and stuck isolation valves may be better replaced. A good engineer will explain both options, because the cheaper choice depends on the tap and its condition.
Try not to force a stiff handle. Forcing it can crack the cartridge, and a small repair then becomes a bigger one. For the wider story on scale, read how hard water affects plumbing in Brighton and Hove.
Kitchens, Bathrooms And Rentals
Kitchen mixers work hard, since they run many times a day. A leak at the base can drip into the cupboard unseen, so see our notes on kitchen sink and appliance leaks. In bathrooms, a dripping tap or shower valve can link to wider leaks, as our guide to bathroom leaks in flats explains.
Landlords should act early, because a small drip often leads to a tenant complaint. Our advice on landlord plumbing repairs covers how to report faults well. If a leak grows into an emergency, read what to do before help arrives. A tap in a bathroom with a slow drain may also need a look at the trap, and our guide to unblocking a shower drain explains how.
Get Help
Request a free quote online for tap repair advice covering kitchen and bathroom taps. We help with plumbing in Rottingdean area, in Woodingdean area and across Brighton, Hove and nearby Sussex towns. Tell us the type of tap, what it does and where the water goes.
