A leaky tap might seem harmless at first, an occasional annoyance, a subtle background noise. But over time, this seemingly minor issue can cause significant water wastage, increase your bills, stain your sinks, and potentially hint at a deeper problem within your plumbing system.
At JSL Plumbing, we’ve dealt with everything from minor tap repairs to catastrophic burst pipe repairs in Glasgow. A leaky tap could be the tip of the iceberg, and knowing the cause can help you avoid much bigger problems down the line.
Washers are small rubber components that sit between the tap and the valve seat. Over time, the constant pressure and friction from turning the tap on and off causes these washers to wear out, leading to leaks, usually from the tap spout. This is especially common in traditional compression taps, where you turn the handle to control the flow of water.
Solution: A professional plumber in Glasgow can easily replace a worn washer. It’s a quick job, but it can save litres of water and reduce strain on your fixtures.
The valve seat is where the tap connects to the spout. This metal surface can corrode over time, especially when water contains high levels of minerals or sediment. Corrosion leads to an uneven seal, causing leaks near the spout. Since corrosion can spread, this issue should be addressed early before it causes more damage within the pipework, potentially leading to a burst pipe if neglected.
Tip: If your home has older plumbing, regular servicing from a recommended plumber in Glasgow like us can prevent this kind of deterioration.
Modern taps, particularly mixer taps, often use cartridges or ceramic discs instead of washers. These parts control water flow and temperature, and though they’re durable, they can crack or wear out.
A faulty cartridge can cause:
Fix: Cartridge replacements need exact part matches. At JSL Plumbing, we always stock a range of parts and can quickly source specific cartridges for a lasting solution.
The O-ring is a small rubber ring placed at the base of the spout or beneath the tap handle. When worn out, it can allow water to seep out from these areas, particularly when the tap is on. This leak may appear subtle at first but can eventually lead to water pooling around the base or damaging the counter surface.
Good to know: Our plumbing services in Glasgow include full inspections to catch issues like worn O-rings before they cause expensive structural damage.
While strong water pressure is nice in a shower, it’s not always good for your plumbing. If your water pressure is too high, it can strain taps and cause them to leak even when turned off.
Worse, sustained high pressure can lead to:
Solution: A qualified emergency plumber in Glasgow like us can test your pressure and recommend pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) or alternate fixes before a minor leak becomes a major flood.
Over time, pipes can corrode or become damaged from constant use, temperature changes, or poor-quality materials. When this happens, taps connected to those pipes might leak or deliver discoloured water. Corroded pipes don’t just lead to leaky taps, they also pose the risk of burst pipes, especially in older properties or during freezing winter months.
Our Advice: Schedule regular maintenance with a trusted Glasgow plumber like JSL Plumbing, especially if your property is older or has been extended recently.
After years of daily twisting and turning, tap components can naturally loosen. Screws may slip, spindles might shift, and handles may begin to wobble, all of which can lead to water escaping from unintended gaps.
Fix: A quick tightening or component replacement can fix the issue, but it takes a professional plumber in Glasgow like JSL Plumbing to spot underlying problems and prevent repeat issues.
While DIY projects can be satisfying, tap installation isn’t always as straightforward as it looks. Misaligned washers, incompatible parts, or over-tightened fittings can all lead to leaks, and in some cases, immediate failure. Similarly, cheap taps or plumbing fixtures may not withstand long-term use, especially in commercial environments. If you own a business, this could lead to service interruptions or compliance issues.
Tip: Rely on a commercial plumber in Glasgow for professional-grade installation that meets both residential and commercial standards.
If you hear a banging noise in the pipes when turning your tap on or off, you’re likely experiencing water hammer. This sudden pressure surge can damage internal components, loosen seals, and create leaks. If ignored, water hammer can lead to a catastrophic burst pipe repair scenario, causing flooding and structural damage.
Recommendation: Install water hammer arrestors or secure loose piping. Our team at JSL Plumbing can assess and install these during a standard service call.
Sometimes the problem isn’t the tap at all. Hidden pipe leaks, wall cracks, or even freezing temperatures can result in water trickling down toward the tap area. In such cases, the leak may appear to be coming from the tap but originates elsewhere. This scenario is especially dangerous as it often precedes a major burst pipe repair in Glasgow, something you don’t want to discover at 3 a.m.
Here’s when to stop waiting and call a professional:
Don’t wait for a burst pipe or a full plumbing breakdown. Call JSL Plumbing, your recommended plumber in Glasgow, for a timely inspection and lasting fix.
A leaky tap may look like a small inconvenience, but it often points to a larger plumbing issue waiting to surface. At JSL Plumbing, we’ve seen leaks escalate into emergency situations like full burst pipe fixes, damaging properties and leaving homeowners frustrated.
Whether you’re facing a minor drip or need urgent burst pipe repair in Glasgow, our trusted, fully qualified team is ready to help. From commercial plumber services to fast, reliable emergency plumber response, we bring experience, transparency, and care to every job.
Call JSL Plumbing today, your go-to experts for plumbing services in Glasgow. From leaky tap repairs to burst pipe fixes, we’ve got you covered. We’re fast, reliable, and always here when you need us most.
Get in touch now for a quote or emergency callout.
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