Common Problems with Basin Taps

Basin taps, like other fixtures, get faulty with time. Sometimes it’s due to poor handling, and the tap may be worn out. So, the sooner you address the issue, the better. Fortunately, basin taps from reliable brands work for a long time before they fail.

A Dripping Tap

A dripping tap can be a nuisance, especially when you don’t know why or what to do about it. The cause of a dripping faucet is sometimes because of a faulty cartridge. It can also be due to worn-out rubber seals. 

You must turn off the water supply and call your plumber to look at it. If you know your way around water systems, you can also check the source of the fault and fix it. If you don’t know what to do, and it will take a while for the professional to fix the issue, you can do the following:

  • Turn off the water at the source. If this area is isolated in the water system, just cut off this area as you use water in the rest of the house. 
  • Tie the tap with a strong string and have the end of the string in the sink. This will help control the dripping sound but won’t stop the leakage.

Ensure you fix the problem because the issue will get worse.

Loose Knob

Sometimes the basin tap fails to close completely, causing the water to drip. This usually happens when the tap has loose nuts or fittings. 

If you have a wrench, you can tighten the nuts. However, you must be careful not to overdo it because if it gets too tight, you may damage the tap or even break the sink. 

Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure has been reasonable, only for it to drop suddenly, it could be a general problem in your area, or your tap may be faulty. First, find out if your neighbours are facing the same problem. You can even ask the concerned authorities. 

The tap head or aerator may be clogged if you have established the problem in your home. You can solve this issue by cleaning the tap head with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Alternatively, you can get a professional to fix the problem. 

Water Leaking At The Tap’s Base

When water leaks at the base of the tap (where the basin tap meets the sink or wall), the cause is a damaged o-ring. You can fix the problem by removing the tap head and replacing the damaged ring. You can then reassemble the tap and check if the pressure is normal. 

Water Temperature Interchange 

If your bathroom sink has two taps for hot and cold water, sometimes they don’t follow the normal water temperature. For example, the hot water tap may start producing cold water, while the cold water tap produces hot water. Sometimes both taps may have hot or cold water. 

This may be due to a thermostat or heating element fault. It would be best if you got a professional to fix the issue. 

Most of these faults can easily be fixed. In some instances, you will need to replace the basin tap.