I've had two occurances where I've come home from work to find my bath taps open and gushing water, even though they were off when I left for work. First time it was both hot and cold taps, yesterday it was just the cold water tap. My plumber is puzzled and said the washers in the taps are fine. Anyone have any ideas or had this happen to you? Two plumbers I've spoken to have no idea. And the taps were definitely off when I left the flat.
Plumbing – Water taps open and running water when I come home
bathtubplumbingtaps
Related Solutions
I could be that the connection between the handle and the actual valve is bad - either it's loose, or stripped.
Is it possible to take the handle off (I'm assuming you have a separate hot & cold handle from the question) to check the condition? Once it's off, you should be able to use a pair of plyers to try to open the valve directly.
If that doesn't work, check the shut-off valve under the sink - if as @aphoria mentions it's something blocking the line, that's another place to check. Turn it off, then back on again, which may dislodge the blockage.
The pipes are not likely to be blocked. The problem will most probalby be in the tap. Most taps usually have a aerator before the exit and that could be blocked up from dirt.
To clean the tap there is a tool to remove the aerator but it is not necessary. You can use pliers or a the correct size key.
There is also a helpful video here
And this is what the part looks like when its a bit clogged.
With the clog that you mentioned it must be pretty bad- So when you remove the aerator you will most likely see allot of dirt follow it. Open the taps for a minute to get it out of the system.
This dirt usaully comes from the main water supply so installing a filter for your main supply for the house if a good option to stop this nuisance. There also options to improve the drinking qualities. Ask you local plumber depot for advice.
DIY TIPS
- To avoid damaging the aerator body it is a good idea to wrap it with some cloth and gently try to unscrew it. It could be a bit stuck but wiggle it back and forth and should let go easily.
- Many aerators go into several pieces. The can help in cleaning them. Try to remember the order.
- The aerator is not mandatory. It helps make the water come out silky and uniform which helps to prevent splashing. You can use the tap without it if it clogs up frequently.
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Best Answer
I have the same issue with the hot water ONLY. Done some ‘testing’. Mark the tap of the hot water and run some water into the bath. Close the tap and realise that it still has to go about one full turn but it feels as if it is closed. After about 5 minutes I open another hot water tap (the basin) and suddenly the hot water in the bath starts to run. When turning the hot water tap of the bath it easily turn the missing turn as mentioned above. I will inspect the inside of the hot water tap in the next day or two. In the meantime I will check my marks on the tap (and wall) everytime I have used the tap.