Is a broken tap an emergency?

Introduction to Taps and Potential Issues

Taps are vital in managing water flow for daily activities such as washing, cooking, and hydrating.

The two main types of taps in homes include mixer taps, which blend your hot water system with cold to achieve a set temperature, and pillar taps, featuring independent hot and cold flows.

There are several common emergency plumbing problems that can occur with taps over time:

• Leaks and drips, often necessitating repairs on worn jumper valves or addressing issues similar to burst pipes
• A low water flow could indicate a blocked drain, mineral buildup, or high water pressure.
• Difficulty operating the tap handle can also indicate a problem.
• Corrosion and internal damage, which can cause issues to the tap components including the valve seat

Fixing leaky taps promptly is key to preventing water waste and damage, including mould, around the tap. Addressing tap issues quickly through repair or adjustment eliminates wastage and prevents further property damage, which is why we provide tailored solutions.

A wholly broken tap under your tenancy agreement may demand landlord tenant emergency plumbing services if it’s critical like the main kitchen or bathroom tap. Essential water service is a right under fair trading laws, impacting your home, compelling landlords to action urgent repairs swiftly.

Understanding When a Broken Tap Becomes an Emergency

A broken tap with a failed tap washer becomes an emergency issue when there’s a significant risk of plumbing problems or disruption of the water system and resolution is needed as soon possible. Factors necessitating immediate tap repairs include:

• High flow rate of water loss - A tap can release burst water akin to a burst pipe, leaking over 2 litres a minute, is an emergency because of the immense water wastage.
• Location in the home - A broken kitchen or bathroom tap is more urgent to fix than one in the laundry or outside taps since they supply water for critical needs.
• If tap internals are so compromised that you can’t halt water flow, a professional plumbing job to conduct emergency repairs becomes critical to stop potential flooding.
• Impact on your house - Broken taps that cut the turn water supply to your house contravene tenancy laws, so landlords must urgently have repairs carried out.

A leaking tap can waste over 2,000 litres a month if it drips more than 2 litres per minute. Such needless water use not only inflates bills but can also affect home insurance claims, akin to neglecting a smoke alarm. Moreover, like neglected smoke alarms, uncontrolled water from a busted tap awaiting fix leaking processes can easily damage your floors, walls, and possessions.

If a tap issue matches any described criteria, plumber intervention is needed; contact us today for immediate action. Turn off the water to the tap using an isolation valve if possible, and contact your emergency plumber from our team for an emergency plumbing service, available at any time.

Assessing the Severity of a Broken Tap

Its important to assess the severity of the issue when tap breaks occur, to determine if emergency repairs are required. There are a few key things to check:

1. Check for any shut-off valves - If a shut-off valve is present under the sink or connected to the tap’s water line, turn it off to halt the water supply. Being able to shut off the water supply lessens the immediate urgency.
2. Gauge the tap’s flow rate to determine if it is releasing more or less than 2 litres of water per minute. A very high flow rate necessitates a fast response.
3. Determine if water is leaking continually or just dripping when tap closed - A constant flow wastes more water than intermittent drips.
4. Evaluate noise level - A high pitched hissing of a dripping tap indicates a potentially serious problem needing urgent attention.

Consider your leaking tap’s location and function, specifically because issues like broken pipes can have more detrimental effects in certain areas, and when need arises, seek out a local plumber near you for comprehensive solutions for varying plumbing concerns. For example, whether its a broken kitchen tap or bathroom tap, it affects essential household water access and would be classified as high priority for resolving plumbing issues.

Broken taps often arise from issues that might not meet your emergency plumbing needs, such as corrosion to loose connections and wear and tear, making it essential to know what to look for, like mishaps such as a broken pipe during installation. If you suspect the core water systems, including the water heater, are compromised, this heightens the issue’s gravity. Left unattended, broken damaged taps can lead to severe water damage or mould issues around sink areas and below floors.

For emergency broken tap repairs, including remove tap services at any hour, Homeowners seeking a plumber in Sydney, notably in the inner west and eastern suburbs, can contact our team on 1300 349 338.

Temporary Fixes for a Broken Tap

When faced with a plumbing problem, such as a broken tap, we provide plumbing solutions to manage the situation until a professional plumber is able to attend.

Shut Off Water Supply

The first step is to locate the tap’s shut-off valve and turn off the water to prevent further damage. This is usually found underneath the sink or connected to the water line feeding the tap. Shutting off the water flow prevents wasted water and limits any potential further water damage.

Use Temporary Sealant

Apply a flexible sealant or rubber tape around the tap’s leak for a temporary watertight seal. Wrap layers of tape or sealant to fully cover cracks and dripping areas until more permanent repairs can be arranged.

Absorb Drips with Cloth

For minor drips, wrapping a cloth around the tap’s base is a simple way to absorb escaping water. Change wet cloths regularly to prevent spillage, and seek professional help if the leak continues.

Caution: Short Term Solutions Only

These quick fixes are temporary; our professional services provide a lasting solution. Our North Mead team provides 24-hour emergency tap repair services, ensuring proper inspection and replacement of damaged taps. For reliable assistance, contact us on 1300 349 338.

Knowing When to Call a Professional Plumber

Contact professional plumbers in these situations rather than attempting DIY fixes:

• If you are unable to stop the water flow - Getting the water turned off is the first priority with any broken tap, so if internal damage prevents you from stopping the flow, call us immediately, even after hours, to prevent flooding.
• In the case of leaks originating from within walls or under floors – scenarios often resolved by intricate pipework adjustments that a licenced plumber should address, possibly due to a blocked toilet.
• If the water pipe is damaged - A compromised water pipe jeopardises your property’s integrity due to potential gas leaks and disrupts the water supply infrastructure.
• When pipe corrosion is visible - Severe corrosion usually indicates wider system issues needing thorough inspection and repairs.
• For sustainable solutions - While home remedies provide temporary relief, our plumbers can repair or replace damaged taps for a long-term fix.

For repair, replacement, and all your plumbing needs, contact North Mead Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email [email protected], where you’ll receive reliable assistance for broken taps.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Broken Taps

Homeowners can employ several strategies to help prevent taps from breaking, or alternatively, engage local plumbers to address these issues reliably:

Install Quality Taps

Select well-crafted, durable taps made from materials like brass to ensure longevity and minimal wear. We highly recommend brands that comply with Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS).

Inspect Taps Regularly

Inspect taps monthly for early signs of damage, such as mineral deposits, leaks, corrosion, or loose fittings. Dealing with small problems quickly can prevent tap malfunctions.

Familiarise Yourself With Shut-Off Valves

Identify the locations of isolation and shut-off valves to stop water flow from leaky taps promptly in an emergency. This can prevent extensive water wastage and mitigate potential emergency plumbing situations.

Service Annually

Arrange for licensed plumbers to yearly service your plumbing fixtures, such as taps, for maintenance. This enables early detection and repair of underlying plumbing issues.

For maintenance or installation of water-efficient fixtures, trust North Mead Plumbing’s service. Email us or call 1300 349 338.