The Amateur Financier

(It’s been a pretty busy week, with the weekend nearly upon us, and you know what that means: guest post time!  Yes, this week, we’re covering a little bit about how to save some money by doing a bit of simple plumbing repairs.  I know that it sometimes feels tricky to do plumbing yourself, but if you make an effort, it can be a surprisingly easy task.  If you find yourself needing to make such a repair, here’s hoping you have good luck and get it done easily!)

Alright, so a dripping tap is unlikely to bring your house down or end up destroying your floors or ceilings. But as well as being highly irritating to listen to it can also end up costing you money in wasted water, staining your sink and harming the environment at the same time. Given that it usually a fairly simple job to get the leak sorted, it makes sense that you nip it in the bud as soon as possible.

Know the type of tap you’re deal with

Different types of taps require different fixes – so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. For example, you could have a stem or pillar tap – these are the most common types of taps you find in the home. In many cases, the drip will be caused by a worn washer, which will need replacing. This is a relatively simple job that even the biggest DIY novice can have a go at.

You may also have a ceramic disc tap, with one where you only turn the level a quarter for full flow. If this is dripping from its spout, then this usually indicates that the central cartridge will need to be looked and may have to be replaced.

Check where the leak’s coming from

As mentioned above, dealing with the drip from the tap is usually fairly straightforward. Leaks from the top of the tap can be a little more complex to sort out. It could be because the gland nut which keeps the spindle in place may need tightening. You could also have a worn O-ring (this is the rubber seal that sits on the spindle) – this will also need replacing.

It the leak is coming from below, then remove the spout and replace the seal. Notice water leaking from the underside of the tap? Then it’s probably time to call in an emergency plumber.

Know when to ask for help

If you’re ever unsure of what you’re doing, don’t be afraid to get a professional in – it may well end up saving you time and money in the long run. If you’ve got plumbing insurance, getting things sorted is even easier – all you’ve got to do is claim on your policy and sit back while a fully qualified tradesmen gets to work. With no nasty repair bill to worry about, this is also the option that could end up saving you the most money, time and hassle too.