Leaky Tap: How to Fix It Yourself

The Hidden Cost of a Leaky Tap

A dripping tap isn't just an annoying noise:

Frequency	Litres/day	Litres/year	Cost (~2 TND/m³)
1 drop/sec	17 L	6,200 L	~12 TND
2 drops/sec	34 L	12,400 L	~25 TND
Continuous stream	100+ L	36,500 L	~73 TND

Identifying the Type of Leak

Leak at the Spout (Drip)

Probable cause: Worn valve seal or cartridge

Symptom: Water drips even with tap closed

Leak at the Base

Probable cause: Worn O-ring or loose nut

Symptom: Water running around the base

Leak Under the Basin

Probable cause: Pierced hose or loose connection

Symptom: Puddle under the cabinet

Tools Needed

• Adjustable wrench
• Flat and Phillips screwdriver
• Replacement seals (universal kit ~5-10 TND)
• Allen key (for some mixers)
• Cloth and basin

Repair 1: Classic Two-Handle Tap

For taps with two separate handles (hot/cold).

Steps:

1. Turn off water - Close valves under basin
2. Remove handle - Unscrew cover and central screw
3. Access the valve - Unscrew the tap head
4. Replace the seal - Remove old, install new
5. Reassemble - Reverse order
6. Test - Open water gradually

Parts cost: 2-5 TND per seal

Repair 2: Single-Lever Mixer

Modern mixers use a ceramic cartridge.

Steps:

1. Turn off water
2. Remove handle - Decorative cap + Allen screw
3. Remove cartridge - Unscrew retaining nut
4. Buy identical - Take the old one to the shop
5. Install new - Align lugs correctly
6. Reassemble and test

Parts cost: 25-80 TND for a cartridge

Repair 3: Leak at Base

Steps:

1. Turn off water
2. Remove handle
3. Tighten the nut - Often sufficient
4. If still leaking - Replace O-ring
5. Reassemble

Repair 4: Leak Under Basin

For pierced hose:

1. Turn off water
2. Unscrew old hose
3. Take it to buy same diameter
4. Install new with Teflon
5. Hand tighten + 1/4 turn

For loose connection:

1. Simply tighten with wrench
2. Add Teflon if needed

Pro Tips

• Photograph each disassembly step
• Keep parts in order
• Don't use excessive force - You might break something
• Test gradually - Open water slowly

When to Replace Rather Than Repair?

Situation	Recommendation
Tap > 15 years	Replace
Parts unavailable	Replace
Multiple leaks	Replace
Visible corrosion	Replace
Repair > 50% new price	Replace

Conclusion

Most leaks are easily fixed with a universal seal kit. At Sanitech, we offer spare parts and new taps if yours is beyond repair.

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