Fixing Your Broken Bathroom Tap: 6 Common Causes and Solutions

However, broken bathroom taps can be a big headache.
Issues associated with bathroom taps can disrupt your daily routine, and ruin your day.
So, if your bathroom taps are malfunctioning, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you fix them.

• A broken bathroom tap can turn off water to your sink with bad water pressure.
• The cause of this problem might lie in a bad cartridge, a damaged washer, and a faulty valve.

PC problems? Solve them in minutes.

1. Download and install ASR Pro

2. Run a scan to find and fix errors

3. Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect

Get better performance from your computer with this software - download it to fix your PC today.

Remove limescale

1. Usually, limescale from hard water is what causes taps to leak. To fix it, users must remove limescale from the tap itself.
2. To do that, users must soak the tap in white vinegar. Limescale will dissolve in vinegar.
   
3. Next, users can take a soft cloth and wipe away the limescale.
4. If there’s built-up limescale around the tap, users can use a toothbrush to gently scrub it away.
5. Then, users must rinse the tap with clean water.
6. Loosen the tap washer
   Loosening the tap washer can also fix the leaking tap. To do this, users must turn off the water supply valve and detach the tap from the pipes.
7. Then, users must remove the tap washer from the tap.
8. Next, users must soak the tap washer in vinegar, and leave it to soak overnight.
9. Once that’s done, users must rinse the tap washer and replace it.
10. If the tap washer isn’t the problem, users must proceed to the next solution.
11. Replace or tighten the tap washer
    If tightening the tap washer doesn’t fix the leaking tap, users must replace it. To do that, users must measure the tap washer, and purchase a new one with the same measurements.
12. Then, users must remove the tap washer from the tap.
13. Next, users must remove the tap from the pipes, and unscrew the tap.
14. Then, users must clean the threads of the tap with emery cloth, and screw the tap back in.

Inspect the washer

1. A broken washer is typically caused by an improper installation.
   
2. Check for visible damage to the washer, such as cracks, holes, or dents, and damage to internal parts, including wires and springs.
3. If the washer is beyond repair, replace it with a new one.
4. Check the water pressure
   The water pressure in your sink and shower is typically regulated by the water pressure of the incoming water supply.
5. A broken tap (or a clogged aerator) can hinder water pressure.
6. If the water pressure is weak, try flushing the toilet, opening the faucet, and moving the shower head.
   
7. Note down the current water pressure.
8. If the water pressure is low, try adjusting the water supply valve.
9. Clean the aerator
   If water pressure is strong but the water flow is weak, it could be because there’s debris in the aerator.
10. The aerator is the fixture that regulates the water pressure.
11. To clean the aerator, disassemble it and clean it.
    
12. If the aerator is beyond repair, replace it with a new one.
13. Check for rust
    A broken tap or a leak in your faucet might be caused by corrosion.
14. Rust can restrict water flow and damage the tap.
15. If the tap is beyond repair, replace it with a new one.
16. Check for cracks in the faucet
    If the tap is leaking, it might be due to cracks or holes.
17. Replace the faucet if it’s beyond repair.
    

Use a wrench

1. If your faucet is leaking, chances are it’s getting loose from the inside. Use a wrench to tighten the screw that holds the faucet in place.
   
2. Tighten the mounting nut
   The mounting nut is attached underneath the faucet. Tighten it, and check if that fixes the problem.
3. Replace the washer
   A broken or worn-out washer can also cause leaks, so consider replacing the washer. Make sure to use the right washer size.
4. Clean the spout
   To fix leaking spouts, clean them thoroughly from the inside out.
5. Fix the leak underneath the sink
   Sometimes, the leak is caused not by the faucet, but by a pipe underneath the sink. So, inspect the pipe for any damage, and fix it with the help of a plumbing professional.

Clean the threads

1. Sometimes, the tap gets clogged with limescale, and that’s why it’s not working.
2. To get rid of the limescale, turn off the water supply and flush the tap for about 10 minutes.
3. Now, turn off the water supply, and unscrew the tap.
4. Remove the washer and clean the threads.
   
5. Tighten the tap back and turn on the water supply.
6. Check if the tap is working.
   

Repair the washer

1. Disconnect the washer from the water supply, then disconnect the washer hoses.
2. Remove the faulty washer from the sink.
   
3. If needed, use pliers to unscrew the washer from the faucet.
4. Clean the gasket on the faucet and its seat.
5. Tighten the washer to the faucet with pliers.
6. Reconnect the hose to the washer.
   
7. Connect the hose to the faucet.
8. Turn on the water supply.

Get better performance from your computer with this software - download it to fix your PC today.

Replace the washer

1. If you can also remove the handle, you can try replacing the washer.
2. The washer should be in working condition, and there should be enough space to fit a new one.
   
3. Remove the old washer, and install the new one.