A loose or badly fastened spout can cause all sorts of leaks.
These problems might seem minor at first, but they can quickly cause damage and cause even bigger problems further down the line.
Knowing the different types of leaks makes it easier to spot trouble early, and in this guide, we’ll take you through the most common types of leaks to look out for and when to call in professional help.
Types Of Leaks
If your spout isn't secure, you'll likely encounter a few common leak patterns.
Let’s take a look through the most common ones.
Dripping Tap
Probably the most common issue caused by an improperly secured spout is a dripping tap.
A dripping tap is when water keeps falling from the spout in little droplets, even after you’ve shut it off. This usually happens when the spout is not tightly attached to the fixture, which allows water to escape from the base of the spout or from the connection point.
This not only increases your water bill and wastes water (estimates put it at nearly 2,000 litres per year), but it’s also very annoying to put up with as well.
Spout Leak
A spout leak appears as water seeping from where the spout connects to the fixture, not from the tip. Usually, it’s because of loose or damaged washers or O-rings within the spout.
Spout leaks often puddle around the spout and can cause damage to the surroundings, especially if there is wood.
Backsplash Leaks
Another consequence of a poorly secured spout is water splashing back and leaking into the wall or cabinet structure.
When the spout is not firmly attached, water pressure can cause it to move and redirect water flow toward the backside.
Over time, this can lead to serious issues such as dampness, mold growth, and structural damage if left unaddressed.
Handle Leaks
In some cases, an improperly secured spout can cause leaks at the handle assembly.
This happens because strain builds up in the handle mechanism, leading to water seeping around the handle when it's turned on.
This type of leak requires the tap to be disassembled in order to figure out what is actually happening.
Joint Leaks
Joint leaks show up at the connection points - think swivel joints on pull-out spray taps or sections that move. If the main body isn’t secure, extra stress can wear out the seals and O-rings faster than you’d expect.
You might see a fine mist or spray around the joint, or just droplets forming and dripping off. Sometimes, it only happens when you move the spout a certain way or crank up the pressure.
The problem here is that joint leaks can cause water dripping underneath the sink or onto the countertop, which can lead to longer-term issues if not addressed.
Continuous Flow Leaks
Continuous flow leaks are the worst - water just keeps streaming out, even when everything’s supposed to be shut off. A loose spout can stop the valve from sealing, leaving an open path for water to escape.
This is the most serious type of leak that can be caused by an improperly secured spout, as water leaks continuously. This means the volume of water is much higher than something like a drip, and it can cause serious structural damage.
When To DIY vs Get Professional Help
If you’re ever unsure how to tackle the problem, it’s worth getting in touch with a plumber to help out and fix the issue.
In most cases, it will be a very easy fix and won’t be too expensive.
The most important thing to do is to get the problem resolved as soon as you can, as this will prevent a potential water build-up that can lead to longer-term damage.
If the leak is small and visible, like a simple dripping tap or around the spout, then you can check the fitting of the spout to see if it is tightened correctly. It isn’t a major job to replace washers or O-rings, but we would only advise this for people who are comfortable with this type of work.
If you have any questions or concerns with a recent order from Francone Bespoke Taps, our customer support team is available to give you the help you need quickly.
