Tap Problems

If your tap feels stiff or difficult to turn, the cause is usually mineral buildup, worn internal components, or lack of lubrication rather than major plumbing failure.

Over time, taps experience normal wear, especially in areas with hard water.

The Most Common Reasons This Happens

1. Mineral Buildup (Hard Water)

In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside the tap. This creates resistance and makes the handle harder to turn.

This is one of the most common causes.

2. Worn or Dry Cartridge

Modern taps often use ceramic cartridges. If the cartridge becomes worn or dries out, friction increases and movement becomes stiff.

Replacing the cartridge usually restores smooth operation.

3. Corrosion Inside the Tap

Older taps may develop internal corrosion, which restricts movement and causes stiffness.

4. Overtightened Components

If the tap was recently repaired, internal parts may have been tightened too firmly, restricting smooth movement.

If you’re also experiencing leaking at the base, see:

→ Why Is My Tap Leaking at the Base?

5. Lack of Lubrication

Some internal parts rely on grease or lubrication. Over time, this can dry out, making operation harder.

Is This Normal?

It may be minor if:

• The tap still functions normally

• Water flow is unaffected

• The stiffness has developed gradually

It may require attention if:

• The handle feels stuck

• Turning it causes grinding sounds

• The tap begins leaking

If your tap is also making noise, see:

→ Why Is My Tap Making Noise?

What You Can Do

If your tap is hard to turn, you can:

• Check for visible mineral buildup

• Clean around the handle area

• Inspect for leaks

• Replace worn cartridges or seals

If the tap becomes fully stuck or starts leaking heavily, professional repair may be needed.

For more related issues, see:

→ Tap Problems Explained
→ Plumbing Problems Explained

If water is leaking from the base of your tap (where it meets the sink), the cause is usually worn internal seals, loose fittings, or a damaged O-ring rather than a cracked pipe.

A base leak can look serious, but it is often caused by small components that wear over time.

The Most Common Reasons This Happens

1. Worn O-Ring

Most taps have rubber O-rings inside the base that prevent water from escaping. Over time, these can dry out, crack, or flatten.

When this happens, water can seep out around the base.

This is one of the most common causes.

2. Loose Mounting Nut

Underneath the sink, a securing nut holds the tap in place. If it loosens slightly, water can leak and collect around the base.

Tightening the fitting may resolve the issue.

3. Worn Internal Cartridge

If the cartridge inside the tap is worn, water may travel in unintended directions and escape from the base.

If you’re also hearing noise while using the tap, see:

→ Why Is My Tap Making Noise?

4. Sealant Deterioration

Some taps rely on sealant where they meet the sink. Over time, this can break down and allow water to pass underneath.

5. Excessive Water Pressure

High water pressure can force water through small gaps or weakened seals.

If multiple taps are affected, pressure may be contributing.

Is This Normal?

It may be minor if:

• The leak is slow

• It only occurs when the tap is running

• There are no signs of cabinet damage

It may require attention if:

• Water pools under the sink

• The leak continues even when the tap is off

• You notice swelling or damage to cabinetry

If water pressure is low instead of leaking, see:

→ Why Is My Tap Water Pressure Low?

What You Can Do

If your tap is leaking at the base, you can:

• Tighten the mounting nut under the sink

• Inspect visible seals

• Replace worn O-rings

• Check for excessive water pressure

If the leak continues after tightening fittings, replacing internal seals or the cartridge often resolves the issue.

For more related issues, see:

→ Tap Problems Explained
→ Plumbing Problems Explained

If your tap makes noise when you turn it on or off, the cause is usually related to water pressure, worn internal parts, or minor air movement in the pipes rather than serious plumbing damage.

The type of noise often helps identify the issue.

The Most Common Reasons This Happens

1. High Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure can cause whistling, humming, or vibrating sounds when water flows through the tap.

If multiple taps are noisy, pressure may be the cause.

2. Worn Washer or Cartridge

Inside the tap, washers or ceramic cartridges control water flow. When these parts wear out, they can vibrate as water passes through, creating squealing or buzzing noises.

This is one of the most common causes.

3. Loose Tap Components

If internal components are slightly loose, the tap may rattle or vibrate during use.

Tightening fittings may reduce the sound.

4. Air in the Pipes

Air trapped in the plumbing system can cause sputtering or irregular flow sounds.

If you also hear pipe noise after flushing a toilet, see:

→ Why Is My Toilet Making Noise After Flushing?

5. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valve

If the valve under the sink is not fully open, water may pass through at higher velocity, causing noise.

Ensure it is fully open and observe whether the sound changes.

Is This Normal?

It may be minor if:

• The noise only occurs while water is running

• Water pressure seems normal

• There are no leaks

It may require attention if:

• The noise is very loud

• The tap vibrates visibly

• Water flow becomes inconsistent

If you’re also experiencing low water pressure, see:

→ Why Is My Tap Water Pressure Low?

What You Can Do

If your tap is making noise, you can:

• Check that shut-off valves are fully open

• Reduce water pressure if it is set too high

• Inspect for visible leaks

• Replace worn washers or cartridges

If noise persists or worsens, replacing internal tap components often resolves the issue.

For more related issues, see:

→ Tap Problems Explained
→ Plumbing Problems Explained

It can be frustrating when water flows slowly from your tap. In many cases, the cause isn’t serious. Low tap pressure is often caused by mineral buildup, partially closed valves, or supply issues rather than major pipe failure.

While weak flow can be inconvenient, the issue is usually identifiable.

The Most Common Reasons This Happens

1. Clogged Aerator

Most taps have a small mesh screen (aerator) at the tip. Over time, mineral deposits can block it, reducing water flow.

Unscrewing and cleaning the aerator often restores pressure immediately.

2. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valve

Under-sink shut-off valves may be slightly closed after maintenance. Even a small restriction can reduce pressure noticeably.

Checking both hot and cold supply valves is a simple step.

3. Mineral Buildup Inside the Tap

Hard water can build up inside internal components, restricting flow.

If your tap is also dripping, see Why Is My Tap Dripping?

4. Supply Line Issue

If both hot and cold water have low pressure, the issue may relate to the home’s water supply or pressure regulator.

If other fixtures are affected, it may not be isolated to one tap.

5. Plumbing Leak

A hidden leak in the system can reduce pressure while increasing water usage.

If you’ve noticed unusual toilet behaviour, see Why Is My Toilet Running Constantly?

Is This Normal?

Minor pressure variation can happen occasionally.

It may be minor if:

• Only one tap is affected

• The aerator hasn’t been cleaned recently

• The issue developed gradually

It may not be normal if:

• Multiple fixtures have low pressure

• Pressure drops suddenly

• Water flow fluctuates dramatically

When Should You Worry?

You should investigate further if:

• Pressure drops throughout the home

• You hear banging pipes

• There are signs of leaks

• Water appears discoloured

Persistent low pressure may require professional inspection.

What You Can Do

If your tap water pressure is low, you can:

• Clean the aerator

• Check shut-off valves

• Inspect visible supply lines

• Monitor other fixtures

• Contact your water supplier if necessary

If pressure doesn’t improve, a plumber can inspect internal piping.

In most situations, low tap pressure is caused by mineral buildup or valve adjustments rather than major plumbing failure. Cleaning and simple checks often restore normal flow. If the issue persists, professional assessment may be required.

→ Tap Problems Explained
→ Plumbing Problems Explained

It can be frustrating to hear a constant drip from your tap. In many cases, the cause isn’t serious. A dripping tap is usually caused by a worn washer, damaged cartridge, or mineral buildup rather than major plumbing failure.

While it can waste water over time, the issue is often fixable.

The Most Common Reasons This Happens

1. Worn Washer

In traditional compression taps, a small rubber washer controls water flow. Over time, it can wear out or harden, preventing a tight seal.

This is one of the most common causes of dripping.

2. Faulty Cartridge

Modern mixer taps use cartridges instead of washers. If the cartridge becomes worn or cracked, water may continue to flow slightly even when turned off.

Replacing the cartridge often solves the problem.

3. Mineral Buildup

Hard water deposits can prevent internal components from sealing properly. This can lead to small but constant drips.

Cleaning internal parts may reduce buildup.

4. Loose or Worn O-Ring

Small rubber O-rings inside the tap body can degrade over time, allowing water to leak.

This is common in older fixtures.

5. High Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure can stress tap components, increasing wear and causing leaks.

If you’ve noticed other plumbing noises, see Why Is My Toilet Running Constantly?

Is This Normal?

A tap should not drip continuously.

It may be minor if:

• The drip is slow and occasional

• The tap is older

• The issue developed gradually

It may not be normal if:

• The drip increases quickly

• Water pressure changes suddenly

• There are leaks under the sink

When Should You Worry?

You should investigate further if:

• Water leaks from the base of the tap

• The drip becomes steady

• You notice rising water bills

• The tap handle feels loose

Persistent dripping may require part replacement.

What You Can Do

If your tap is dripping, you can:

• Turn off the water supply

• Replace the washer or cartridge

• Clean internal components

• Check for mineral buildup

• Monitor for recurring leaks

If dripping continues after replacing parts, professional repair may be necessary.

In most situations, a dripping tap is caused by worn internal seals rather than serious plumbing failure. Replacing small components often resolves the issue. If leaks persist, a plumber can inspect the fixture.

→ Tap Problems Explained
→ Plumbing Problems Explained