Typically a leaking or dripping tap is caused by a worn or failed washer (also known as a “jumper valve”) inside the tap. Most standard taps feature the same components, though some aren't  interchangeable across different brands.

Some of these common components are:

• Handle assembly (handle + button)

• Spindle assembly (spindle + spindle bonnet)

• Spindle flange

• Tap body (includes the washer seat)

• Washer (jumper valve + washer)

Many issues can be sorted by replacing the washer. When replacing the washer, it is important to always clean the washer seat inside the tap body. This is the contact surface for the washer and is often the cause of it wearing. For a proper clean, you need a specialist tool that grinds the brass surface of the seat and provides a perfectly uniform contact point for the new washer. It is also important to clean all debris from the tap body before reassembling the tap, as any debris left behind will generally damage the new washer and cause it to leak immediately.

There are a few other components which should be replaced at the same time, which is what we call servicing the tap. Here's how you do it:

1. Clean the internal and external threads of the spindle and spindle body.

2. Replace the o-rings on the spindle (sometimes there are 2 on each)

3. Apply tap grease to both the threads and the o-rings before inserting the spindle back into the spindle body.

4. Replace the fibre body washer (usually red) to the end of the spindle body.

5. Insert a new jumper valve into the end of the spindle ready for reassembly.

6. Reseat the tap body and flush all debris from the tap body.

7. Install the newly serviced spindle assembly (complete with new jumper valve and body washer) into the tap body and tighten firmly with a spanner. NOTE: there should be no thread tap required for this – be careful not to over-tighten.

8. Reassemble the spindle flange and handle as required.

A leaking or
dripping mixer tap

A running or leaking toilet can be caused by a few different components depending on the type and age of the toilet you have.

If a toilet is running, it generally is not leaking onto the floor but rather into the bowl, wasting many litres of water a day. You’ll sometimes hear the toilet continuously or periodically filling depending on the damaged components and how bad the internal leak is. It will be caused by either of or both two main components inside the cistern –  the inlet valve and/or the outlet mechanism.

Both have replaceable washers that can be changed, although each washer is specific to the manufacturer of the valves. Installing the correct washers is imperative and can be difficult if you can't identify the manufacturer.

Nobody likes dealing with a clogged toilet. While calling us in to deal with the situation quickly might be the A plan, there are a few things you can do to help identify or fix the problem.

Generally, you’ll first notice an issue when the toilet is flushed and the bowl fills without draining, or it fills and drains slower than usual. If this happens, the first thing to do is see if any other drains are also affected. Check any nearby floor drains, baths, showers or sinks to see if they are draining correctly. 

The next thing to check are any grated drain tops outside. These are called overflow relief gullies (ORGs), and every house will have at least one (though some homes will have multiple). It will be around 100mm/4 inches in diameter. If you look down through the grate you should notice some water in the bottom. This is normal, as there is a water trap down there to prevent sewer smells escaping.If the water is close to ground level or has even overflowed, it and any other slow-flowing drains could mean the blockage may be in your main drain, not just in your toilet. You're unlikely to be able to relieve this blockage without the specialist knowledge and equipment of a licensed plumber/drainer.

If you haven’t identified any other drainage issues around your home, there’s a good chance the blockage is confined to just the S or P trap of the toilet or the immediate pipework downstream. You could try moving the blockage on by gently flushing the toilet to fill the bowl without overflowing and giving the pan a plunge. If the blockage was only a one off due to excess paper etc., you may find the blockage will pass downstream without any further issues. If not, the issue may be due to something more sinister, which can often result in the toilet needing to be removed to access and clear the obstruction.

Is water falling down into your home, or are you seeing signs of water damage in your ceiling or walls? We can help you identify if and where your roof is leaking, prepare a comprehensive report of the issues and help direct or complete repairs to keep your home, and you and your family, safer and more comfortable.

Backed-up gutters can cause just as many issues. If you don't keep leaves, branches and other debris out, rain water can damage your roof and the exterior (and maybe even the interior) of your home. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least every six months or so, and more often if there's been poor weather. Just make sure it's safe to do so before getting on the ladder. If your gutters need repair or replacement, we can help you with that, too.

Water
filtration

Whether it’s a major burst pipe, or small, hidden leaks that go unidentified for long periods of time, these issues can quickly turn into big problems. That's why we recommend water security and smart water detectors for all homes. This new plumbing technology can discover dangerous leaks before you can, and automatically turn off the water mains to your home to avoid major damage. They also provide the benefit of monitoring water use throughout the home and identifying areas where water use can be reduced, as well as provide early identification of maintenance required to taps, toilets, hot water systems, etc. before they become costly repairs or breakdowns.

We here at iPLUMB AUSTRALIA think the best water security system available in Australia is the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff smart home water security system. It provides always-on, 24/7 protection by monitoring your whole water supply system for leaks and other issues. Combined with the Moen Smart Water Detector, which monitors outside of your pipes for issues such as overflowing drains, malfunctioning appliances or weather damage, you'll get a one-two punch of safety for your home. 

We've installed many of these systems, and others like them, in homes of various sizes across the state. Get in touch if you'd like to learn more about how water security systems and smart water detectors can help keep your home safer from damage.