Nobody wants to deal with the high costs that come from wasting water or spending too much on plumbing repairs. But that’s what can happen when you have damaged taps in your home. Taps are important not just because they control the water flow, but they also add to the look of your place. However, older taps can wear out after years of use.
When you start noticing constant dripping, even after you’ve turned the tap off tightly, it’s a clear sign that something’s not right. This dripping can lead to wasted water and higher bills over time. Another sign to watch out for is rust forming on the tap. Rust can mean your taps are getting too old and may start to leak or break soon.
If you see these issues, it might be time to think about getting new taps. Replacing old, faulty taps can save you from the annoyance of drips, the sight of rust, and the cost of water loss. Plus, new taps can freshen up the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
Nobody likes sky-high water bills or unnecessary expenditures on plumbing tasks. However, these two things are precisely what a damaged tap brings about.
Taps are an indispensable part of any household and add to their functionality and aesthetic appeal. But, over time, they may become worn out due to wear and tear. In such cases, replacement becomes essential to avoid water wastage and further damage to your property.
This guide will look at the sure-shot signs that your taps need replacing. So, let’s begin.
5 Signs That Your Tap Needs A Replacement
1. Continuous Dripping
It’s a bad sign when a tap continues trickling, regardless of how tightly you turn it off. It increases your water bills and has you wrestling with the faucet, trying desperately to twist it open or close. Persistent drips can leave your sink perpetually wet, far from a pleasant sight.
Besides, constantly tampering with the tap in this way can wear down the tap washer ring, which functions as a seal.
Although the internet can recommend some quick fixes, you’ll soon be twisting the tap with all your might again. These are only temporary solutions; replacing the faucet is the best way to prevent a continuous dripping tap.
2. Reduced Water Pressure
Have your showers become more extended than usual, not because you spend time singing or thinking about world issues, but because of the reduced water pressure? Well then, it’s undoubtedly time for a replacement.
Inconsistent water flow or a change in pressure is mainly due to limescale deposits and mineral build-up-, leading to rust formation in your pipes and often resulting in a blockage.
Over time, the rust stains become more stubborn, and no chemicals will work on mineral build-up. While there are ways to deal with mineral build-up, and you can always clean rusted pipes, we recommend replacing your tap since this is likely to be a recurring issue.
Besides, corroded pipes can lead to leakage and mildew or mould formation, damaging your walls. So, in such cases, timely replacement becomes essential.
However, before you jump to conclusions, we recommend consulting a qualified plumber who can inspect your pipe and detect the cause of the reduced water pressure. Although it is usually owing to rust build-up, there can be other reasons for hindered water flow.
3. Cracked Or Stiff Handles
If your tap has celebrated too many birthdays in your house, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Often, fixtures that are a decade old or more start developing cracks, becoming discoloured, or corroded. Now, corroded taps are neither healthy nor aesthetically appealing. So, replacing the faucet once you notice the first cracks is best.
Old taps become difficult to turn off due to stiff handles, leading to water dripping. As a result, your water bills are likely to skyrocket.
4. Loud Noises
Do you hear screeching or whistling noises every time you turn on the tap? Often, it is because of a faulty or hardened rubber washer. Besides, be wary of clanking sounds since they are often due to faucets’ cracks. Sometimes, a blockage in your pipeline can also cause these unusual noises. In such cases, you will need to replace your tap.
However, it might sometimes be a minor issue that your plumber can fix. So, we recommend calling your plumber first.
5. Worn-Out Washers
Faulty tap washers are one of the chief causes of slow leaking tap. Although you can change the washer, let us warn you that this is just a temporary fix. Most washers on the market are of inferior quality, and high-grade ceramic washers are expensive.
Therefore, it is best to replace your tap to prevent frequent leaking and improve the functionality of your faucet.
How To Find The Right Tap For My House?
Now that you have finally given up on your attempts to fix the tap, it is time to look for a suitable replacement. Stainless steel taps have been the most popular option for decades because of their durability. But, you may also choose from other options.
Here are the top considerations you should keep in mind while choosing a new tap:
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1. Type
Do you want a single-handle or double-handle mixer tap? Most people opt for double-mixer faucets since they have a classical design, and it is easier to achieve the required temperature balance by adjusting the two handles.
On the other hand, single-mixer taps are more practical and move up and down to control the water flow. However, these taps often start leaking faster and must be replaced quicker than the double-mixer taps.
2. Material
We have mentioned earlier that stainless steel is the most preferred material for taps, but other highly durable options exist. For instance, chrome faucets are easy to clean and have a professional appearance. Although slightly expensive, these are sturdy and will last a long time.
Nickel taps are durable but prone to water or finger stains. Therefore, they require regular cleaning. On the other hand, we have bronze kitchen taps with a rustic appeal and are less expensive than nickel or chrome.
So, depending on your budget and requirements, you can opt for any materials.
3. Functionality
Earlier, taps had a primary working mechanism and were usually similar. However, faucets have distinct features that add to their overall functionality today.
For instance, some taps have sensors installed that cut off the water supply when you remove your hand, while others include jet sprays for efficient cleaning. Besides, you can control some faucets with the help of your Android device. Of course, taps with additional features will likely be more expensive, but we think that’s only fair, given their advantages and practicality.
Is It Time To Replace Your Tap?
That’s all, folks!
We hope you will now be able to determine when your tap needs replacing and instead of beating the dead horse, get a replacement at the earliest. Besides, we are leaving you with tips to help make choosing a new tap easier.
Although you might be adept at plumbing tasks, tap removal and installation are demanding jobs. Therefore, hiring a plumber to take care of it and keep your worries at bay is best. With professional installation, your tap will last longer and function smoothly. If you are in Perth, get in touch with our team. We are happy to assist you with replacing your tap!
So, replace your damaged tap soon before it wreaks havoc on your house!
