What To Know
- A dripping hot water tap can be a major annoyance, not to mention a waste of water and energy.
- If you are unable to stop the drip on your own, or if the leak is caused by a cracked faucet body, you should call a plumber.
- There are a few common causes of a dripping hot water tap, including a worn-out washer, a damaged O-ring, a loose packing nut, or a cracked faucet body.
A dripping hot water tap can be a major annoyance, not to mention a waste of water and energy. If you’re tired of dealing with a leaky faucet, there are a few things you can do to stop the drip. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to stop hot water tap dripping.
Identifying the Cause of the Drip
Before you can fix a dripping hot water tap, you need to identify the cause of the leak. There are a few common culprits, including:
- Worn-out washer: The washer is a small, rubber ring that sits between the tap stem and the faucet body. Over time, the washer can wear out and cause the tap to leak.
- Damaged O-ring: The O-ring is a small, rubber ring that sits between the faucet body and the spout. If the O-ring is damaged, it can also cause the tap to leak.
- Loose packing nut: The packing nut is a nut that holds the tap stem in place. If the packing nut is loose, it can allow water to leak out from around the stem.
- Cracked faucet body: In some cases, the faucet body itself can crack, causing the tap to leak.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Once you’ve identified the cause of the leak, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Pliers
- New washer (if necessary)
- New O-ring (if necessary)
- Teflon tape
Steps to Stop the Drip
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There is usually a valve under the sink that you can turn to shut off the water. If there is no valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
2. Remove the aerator. The aerator is the small screen that is attached to the end of the faucet spout. Use a wrench to loosen the aerator and remove it.
3. Remove the faucet handle. There is usually a screw that holds the faucet handle in place. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw and then pull the handle off.
4. Remove the packing nut. The packing nut is located around the base of the faucet stem. Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut and remove it.
5. Replace the washer or O-ring. If the washer or O-ring is worn out or damaged, replace it with a new one.
6. Reassemble the faucet. Reinstall the packing nut, faucet handle, and aerator.
7. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Once you have reassembled the faucet, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut or replace the washer or O-ring until the leak stops.
Preventing Future Drips
There are a few things you can do to prevent future drips from occurring:
- Use a faucet aerator. A faucet aerator can help to reduce the amount of water that flows through the faucet, which can help to prevent leaks.
- Tighten the packing nut regularly. The packing nut should be tightened every few months to prevent it from becoming loose and causing a leak.
- Replace the washer or O-ring when it starts to wear out. The washer and O-ring should be replaced every few years to prevent them from becoming worn out and causing a leak.
When to Call a Plumber
If you are unable to stop the drip on your own, or if the leak is caused by a cracked faucet body, you should call a plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Final Note: Stop the Drip, Save the Water
By following the steps in this blog post, you can stop that pesky hot water tap drip and save yourself money on your water bill. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: Why does my hot water tap keep dripping?
A: There are a few common causes of a dripping hot water tap, including a worn-out washer, a damaged O-ring, a loose packing nut, or a cracked faucet body.
- Q: How can I stop my hot water tap from dripping?
A: To stop your hot water tap from dripping, you can try tightening the packing nut, replacing the washer or O-ring, or reassembling the faucet. If the leak is caused by a cracked faucet body, you will need to call a plumber.
- Q: How much does it cost to fix a dripping hot water tap?
A: The cost to fix a dripping hot water tap will vary depending on the cause of the leak and the extent of the damage. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a simple repair.
