From Dribble to Disaster: Solving Common Tap Problems

Has your kitchen tap gone from helpful to hopeless? You’re about to learn how to spot and sort the most common faucet problems.

Your kitchen tap works harder than most appliances – from filling kettles to washing mountains of dishes. When it acts up, your daily routine can grind to a halt. But don’t worry – this guide will help you identify what’s wrong and show you what to do about it.

Common Tap Problems

Let’s look at the eight most common kitchen tap troubles and what causes them:

Leaky Faucets

That constant drip-drip-drip isn’t just annoying – it’s costing you money. Leaks typically show up in two places:

• At the spout: Often caused by worn washers or O-rings that need replacing
• Around the base: Usually signals damaged seals or loose connections

A single dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 litres of water per year. The good news? Most leaks are easy to fix once you know what’s causing them.

Ready to fix that dripping tap? Here’s how:

1. Turn off water supplies and open the tap to drain remaining water
2. Remove the tap handle (look for a small screw under the hot/cold cap)
3. Unscrew the valve cover and use your basin spanner to remove the valve
4. Replace the old washer with one of the same size
5. Put everything back together in reverse order

Low Water Pressure

When your once-robust stream becomes a trickle, you’ve got a pressure problem. The usual suspects are:

• Clogged aerators full of limescale
• Partially closed valves under your sink
• Wider plumbing issues affecting your whole home

A quick clean of your aerator often sorts this out. If not, you might need to check your shut-off valves or call a plumber.

Sort out that Low Pressure with these steps:

1. Unscrew your tap’s aerator (the mesh filter at the spout tip)
2. Soak it in white vinegar for an hour
3. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush
4. Rinse and reattach

Before you grab your tools, make sure to follow these safety steps:

• Turn off both hot and cold water supplies under your sink
• Put the plug in or cover the drain with a cloth (those tiny screws love to vanish!)
• Keep a torch handy – under-sink spaces are often dark
• Have a few old towels ready for spills

Have you noticed any other signs before your tap started acting up? Understanding the warning signs can help prevent bigger problems later.

When to Call the Pros

Some jobs need expert hands. Ring a plumber if you spot:

• Pipes that won’t stop leaking after basic repairs
• Cracks in the tap body
• Strange noises coming from your pipes
• Rust that’s eaten through metal parts

Have you tried fixing your tap before? Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes (and the right tools) can make all the difference.  Our expert plumbers can offer professional advice and smart solutions for your plumbing needs.  Visit our Quote page for a custom quote with no commitments!

Faucet Types: Know Your Kitchen Tap

Not all taps are the same. Here’s what you need to know about each type:

Water Quality: What’s Coming Out of Your Tap?

Water from your tap also carries minerals, chemicals and other elements that can make or break your kitchen tap’s performance. Your water type shapes everything from how long your tap lasts to how often you’ll need repairs.

Hard water packs a punch with its high mineral content. Those chalky white deposits you see around your tap? That’s calcium and magnesium leaving their mark. These minerals don’t just spoil your tap’s looks – they’re quietly building up inside too, blocking aerators, reducing water flow, and jamming up moving parts. Most hard water areas see taps lasting 5 years less than average, and you’ll likely notice your handles getting stiffer over time.

Soft water tends to play nicer with your tap. It keeps things shinier and helps your cleaning products work better. But it’s not all smooth sailing – soft water can taste slightly salty thanks to its sodium content, and it might slowly corrode certain metal parts. Still, your tap and plumbing will typically last longer with soft water flowing through them.

Well water brings its own set of challenges. It often carries extra sediment that can clog up your tap faster than you’d expect. Iron in the water might leave brown stains, and the typically higher mineral content means more wear and tear on internal components. Some well water even harbours bacteria that can affect tap parts, and you might notice unusual smells or tastes that signal the need for specific filters.

City or treated water usually offers more predictable quality, but it’s not perfect. The chlorine that keeps it safe can be tough on rubber seals, and hardness levels can still vary. While it’s generally reliable, seasonal changes can affect water quality, and those dissolved minerals haven’t gone anywhere – they’re just controlled better.

Testing your water regularly puts you in control. You’ll know exactly what’s flowing through your tap and can make smarter choices about materials, cleaning products, and maintenance schedules. This knowledge helps you protect your tap’s finish and plan ahead for part replacements instead of waiting for problems to surface.

Your tap shows signs of water quality like mineral buildup, staining, or changes in flow. Spotting these early warnings means you can adjust your care routine before small issues become big headaches.

Preventative Care to Keep Your Tap in Top Shape

A bit of regular care saves you from those nasty tap surprises. Here’s your maintenance checklist:

Weekly Clean

• Wipe down the entire tap with a soft, damp cloth
• Clean around the base where grime builds up
• Check the spout for limescale spots

Monthly Deep Clean

• Remove and soak the aerator in vinegar
• Clean under the tap handles
• Check all connections for leaks
• Test water pressure

Look out for:

• Water marks under the sink
• Damp patches around pipe joints
• Rust spots or discolouration
• Squeaky or stiff handles

Tap-Friendly Cleaning Tips:

• Skip harsh cleaners – they damage chrome and brass
• Use white vinegar for limescale
• Try lemon juice for light stains
• Apply silicone grease to stiff parts

Your Key Tap Takeaways

Now you know the ins and outs of kitchen tap care. From fixing drips to choosing eco-friendly options, you’re ready to handle most tap troubles that come your way.

Remember these key points:

• Check your taps monthly for early warning signs
• Keep your cleaning supplies gentle and your tools handy
• Know which jobs you can tackle and when to call the pros
• Save water (and money) with simple habit changes

A well-maintained tap can last 15-20 years. With your new knowledge, you can spot problems early, fix common issues, and keep your tap running smoothly for years to come.

Got a dripping tap or stiff handle? Why not try sorting it this weekend? You might surprise yourself with your new plumbing skills!