A dripping faucet is a common household problem that can be annoying and costly. A faucet that leaks even a tiny bit of water can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year! And while it might not seem like a lot, it’s enough water to fill a swimming pool; think about how that can add up on your water bill. Fortunately, stopping a leak can be very simple. Read on to learn how to fix a dripping faucet with ith tape.
What kind of tape can fix a leaky faucet?
Plumbing tape is the best choice and is available at any local hardware store. It is a type of adhesive tape designed to be waterproof and durable. This type of tape is made from a combination of plastics and rubbers, so it’s flexible and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. It’s also able to stick to a variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, and glass.
If you can’t get plumbing tape, there are some general-purpose tapes that can work. These tapes are not designed for a specific type of material, but they are still strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are also water-resistant, which is what you need.
How long will this fix last?
No matter what kind of tape you use, know that this is a temporary solution. In general, using tape to fix a dripping faucet should last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If the faucet is leaking heavily, using tape may not work, in which case you’ll need to call a plumber to fix the problem right away.
How to fix a dripping faucet with tape.
If you can, identify the underlying cause of the leak. Water leaks can be caused by many factors, including worn-out seals and gaskets, corrosion, and leaks in the supply lines. There are different courses of action for different types of leaks. If you can determine the cause, you can apply the tape more effectively.
What to do if the problem is a leaky cartridge.
If the faucet has a leaky cartridge, you can wrap the tape around the joint between the cartridge and the faucet body. To determine if a faucet has a leaky cartridge, check the water meter. Turn off all the faucets in your home, wait a few minutes, then check the water meter. If the meter is still spinning, you likely have a leaky cartridge.
What to do if a faucet has a leaky spout.
If the faucet has a leaky spout, follow these steps:
- Shut off the water to the faucet by turning the knob all the way to the left.
- Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
- Take a piece of tape and wrap it around the faucet stem, just below the handle.
- Replace the handle and screw it back on clockwise.
- Turn on the water and check to see if the faucet is still dripping. If it is, re-wrap the tape a few times.
If the faucet is still dripping, try replacing the washer.
If the faucet still drips after you’ve taped it, you may need to replace the washer. To do this, remove the faucet handle and the packing nut. The packing nut is the large nut at the base of the faucet stem. Use a wrench to remove it, then pull the faucet stem out of the faucet. Once the stem is out, you can replace the washer. Simply place the new washer on the stem, put the stem back in the faucet, and reattach the packing nut. Tighten the packing nut with the wrench and replace the faucet handle.
Remember that this isn’t a permanent solution.
Using tape to stop dripping water is only a temporary fix. It’s the easiest way to deal with a leaky faucet until a professional plumber can make the proper repairs.
