Discovering a leak in your bathroom can be incredibly frustrating, but it’s also a common occurrence for many homeowners. Whilst they may cause you temporary stress, they can be simple and affordable to fix if addressed quickly.
In this article, we’ll be discussing how you can use DIY methods to fix those non-emergency leaks in your bathroom.
Bathtub leaks
You may have come across the faucet on your bathtub leaking when you turn it on. This usually occurs at the base of the faucet and is usually caused by a worn washer in the faucet stem.
If left unrepaired, the leak can cost you a higher water bill and potentially damage other components in your faucet, leading to a larger issue.
Repairs can be done by removing the faucet handle and replacing the washer if this is the source of the issue. However, the leak could be caused by damage to the faucet itself, or perhaps the stem or piping.
If the leak is more severe, you may have to replace the entire bathtub faucet altogether.
Dripping tap
Dripping taps can certainly become irritating. There are temporary fixes for the interim, such as pipe sealants to keep the leak at bay, but it’s important to fix the root cause as soon as possible.
Your tap may start to drip repeatedly for a variety of reasons – it could be wear and tear, build-up of debris or it simply just hasn’t been turned off correctly. To determine the cause, you’ll need to inspect the tap by switching off the water supply, opening the tap and checking the washer.
If you find a build-up of debris, this can easily be cleared away and the tap will be as good as new. Alternatively, if there is damage to the washer, you’ll need a replacement. You can do this yourself if you feel comfortable, but a plumber or handyman will be more than happy to help, too.
Toilet base leak
There’s nothing worse than a leaking toilet – it’s unsanitary, inconvenient and an overall nuisance. But, there are several simple fixes to stop this from occurring.
If you notice a leak after you’ve flushed your toilet, there may be a problem with the rubber seal on the base of the toilet that keeps everything in place. You must stop using the toilet as soon as you notice the leak, as the leaking water will be dirty and coming directly from the toilet bowl.
To fix the leak, you’ll need an adjustable wrench and a replacement wax ring. This is so you can unscrew the bolts that hold the toilet in place and easily swap out the damaged rubber seal for a new one.
