Dripping taps

Funny... several of my mains taps have started dripping in the last couple of weeks. In fact, everyone I talk to about it also has dripping taps. Is it a phenomena around here or is it something more general like the recent cold weather that is making the washers harder?

Colin

Reply to
Colin
Loading thread data ...

Perhaps the pressure has gone up now that people are no longer filling their swimming pools!

Reply to
Set Square

It's possibile that room temps are lower, or the water is very cold, meaning that the synthetic washers are stiffer, so when you close the tap they don't compress as much initially but slowly deform for a while after the tap is closed. After a while they reach full deformation, releasing some of the pressure applied by hand via the thread, and then let a bit of water through.

Or maybe it's condesation just inside the tap.

Or maybe all your washers are wearing out at the same time. Sooner or later it's gotta happen to a group of friends somewhere in the world, and it just happens to be you and your circle.

Or here's another idea. Water is at its maximum density at 4 Celsius. This could be the temp. at which cold water is arriving at your tap. The water left in the pipework will warm up and expand, increasing the pressure temporrarily as it forces water back into the main.

Or perhaps none of those.

W.

the last

has

something more

washers

filling their

Reply to
Woodspoiler

This is my favourite explanation.

Colin

Reply to
Colin

Mmm. I do notice that if I turn on my bath taps a little - sort of 'moderate flow' - after a few seconds they practically turn themselves off due to presumably hot washers expanding?

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.