How to Isolate a Leaky Tap
Dealing with a leaking pipe or plumbing fixture can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t always have to turn off the water supply to your entire home (if you have a burst pipe scenario, and need to turn off your mains water click here for instructions). Let us help you isolate the issue right at the source, allowing you to continue using other plumbing fixtures until your licensed plumber arrives.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to isolating a leak and keeping your water running smoothly:
Instructions for How to Isolate a Leaky Tap
Step 1: Locate the Isolation Valve (Mini Stop Valve)
Each major plumbing fixture in your home—such as sinks, toilets, and washing machines—should have its own isolation valve. This valve, also known as a mini stop, is usually a small chrome tap connected to the fixture, often found:
- Under the sink
- Behind the toilet
- Near your washing machine
- Below a dishwasher
By isolating the leak at the valve, you can cut off water to the specific fixture causing the problem while keeping the rest of your home’s water supply intact.
Step 2: Turn Off the Isolation Valve
Once you’ve found the mini stop valve, it’s time to turn it off. Most valves work in one of two ways:
- Standard twist taps: Turn the handle clockwise as far as it will go to shut off the water.
- Quarter-turn taps: For these, turn the handle 90 degrees (horizontally) to stop the flow of water.
Tip: If the valve is tight and hard to turn, use gloves or a pair of pliers for better grip.
Step 3: Confirm the Water Supply Is Off
Now that you’ve turned off the isolation valve, it’s important to double-check that the water supply to the leaking fixture has been successfully shut off. To do this, try running water from the tap or flushing the toilet you’ve isolated.
If water no longer flows, you’ve successfully isolated the leak.
If water still flows, double-check the valve to ensure it’s turned off completely.
Step 4: Call Your Local Licensed Plumber
Once you’ve stopped the water at the source, it’s time to get a licensed plumber involved. Whether it’s a leaking tap, burst pipe, or a more complex issue, calling your local (licensed and insured) plumber is the next essential step.
A licensed plumber will be able to repair or replace the damaged fixture, ensuring your plumbing is back in working order. The key benefit of isolating the fixture is that you can continue using other fixtures, such as showers and kitchen taps, while waiting for the repair.
Why It’s Important to Know How to Isolate Leaks
Learning how to isolate a plumbing fixture is a simple skill that can prevent further damage and save you from the inconvenience of shutting off your entire water supply. Plus, it’s especially useful if the leak happens at an inconvenient time—like in the middle of the night or during a public holiday when plumbers may not be immediately available.
Taking these few quick steps can buy you time and reduce the risk of water damage to your property when you are faced with the dilemma of ‘what should I do if my tap is dripping?’.
Plumbing issues don’t have to bring your household to a complete halt. By knowing how to isolate a leaking fixture at the source, you can minimise the disruption and wait for a professional to handle the repair without losing access to your home’s water supply.
The next time you encounter a leaky tap or burst pipe, remember these easy steps to keep the situation under control! Then give McCarthy Plumbing Group a call on 03 9931 0905 and we can fix that leak once and for all.
