I hear water tap running inside my house when there are no taps open. What would cause that?
Do you still hear the noise of water tap from somewhere in your house even when you think that all faucets are closed? There could be a leak in your plumbing system, which you need to fix quickly.
However, you do not have to call the plumber immediately and spend money unnecessarily. Sometimes, a constantly running faucet can be fixed with the simplest solution. Make sure to double-check that the handles are fully closed before you turn in for the night. For instance, if you have dual handles in your faucet or three handles on your diverter assembly, it is easy to overlook that you need to secure each one. Typically, when the handle is turned away from the spout, then it should be in the “off” position.
However, it can also be caused by one of the following:
- Worn rubber washers — The rubber washers are attached to the end of compression-style spigots. They serve as a valve to keep the water from dripping when you close the handle. However, pressure and age will shrink the rubber size until there is a sieve in the gate. Water will flow through this opening. When you have cartridge-style faucets in your home, they would be equipped with a disc or ball—a combination of plastic and metal. They are also vulnerable to wear and tear. It is quite difficult to approximate the lifespan of a rubber washer. Sometimes, they last a few years, or sometimes they split after only several months. It is recommended that you purchase several pieces that you will store for emergencies, so you do not have to visit your hardware store next time. The good news is that they are very easy to fix. You only need an adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screw that holds the washer in place.
- Faulty cartridge — The cartridge can be found on the stem of your faucet. Older models were very easy to fix because you only need to replace the rubber washer. The newer models, however, takes a little bit of time to take apart and assemble the whole thing after the fix. It can be tricky to remove the cartridge as plumbers have the tools specifically designed to pull the stem. Nevertheless, replacement parts are easy to source as you only need to visit your local hardware or plumbing supply store. Make sure to bring the old cartridge with you because you may be overwhelmed by the number of sizes and brands available at the shop.
- Seat and spring — The delta faucet typically features a valve seat and spring that can be found in the insert stem. A cartridge-style faucet, meanwhile, may not always have a seat and spring. If you have replaced the faulty stem in your delta faucet, and you still notice the tap water running, maybe the problem is with the seat and spring. The replacement parts are quite affordable, and you only need a few tools to finish the task. However, if the faucet handle seems resistant and stiff or if you see water spouting out of the handle, replacing the entire stem may solve the problem.
- Your faucet handle is loose — It usually occurs when the threads on the stems or the end of the handle are already stripped out. Unfortunately, there is no fixing this problem, and you may need to replace the entire set.
Before doing any kind of repair, make sure to shut off the water main to keep the water from gushing and flooding your floor. Also, there are countless models of water faucets in the market today, and you need the correct tool to replace its components. For instance, some faucets may need an Allen key, others a standard screwdriver, and still, you may need to pull out your Stanley knife so that you can pop out the button. In some cases, that may not be enough as the job will require a spanner or multi-purpose tool.
Conclusion
When you hear the tap running even when the faucets are all closed, do not ignore the problem because it will not go away. In fact, the problem will only worsen because a broken washer will not miraculously fix itself. It is relatively easy to replace the worn parts, and you can do it in minutes. Finally, a leaking faucet will hit you where you will hurt the most–your pockets. Finally, even if you can’t hear the water running, there might still be a leak somewhere. The quickest way to know is if you notice a sudden surge in your water bill at the end of the month.