Your shower head is dripping relentlessly, even with the taps fully closed. It's frustrating and defies logic as drops cascade from above. Addressing this promptly prevents water waste and skyrocketing bills.
We've all endured the relentless plop... plop... plop of a leaky faucet. Beyond the annoyance, a single dripping tap can waste 18 m³ of water annually—about €65! This impacts your budget and the environment, as water becomes an increasingly scarce resource worldwide. Act now to stop leaks before they worsen.
Leaks aren't always constant; intermittent drips signal aging seals. Over time, they'll degrade further, turning a minor issue into a major one.
Seals are a plumber's essential tool. First, pinpoint the leak: Disconnect the shower hose. If dripping persists from the taps, replace the tap seals. Otherwise, swap the hose.
Shut off the water supply to avoid floods. Remove faucet handles by unscrewing the hidden screw under the red or blue cap, then pull them off. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the faucet head, exposing the valve cup with its seal—the key component pressing against the seat to halt flow. Extract the valve gasket with a screwdriver and install a new one. Also replace the thinner clamping joint at the faucet head base.
Reassemble the valve, then the faucet heads. Restore water supply, test the tap: It should close drip-free. Persistent leaks? Consider full tap replacement.
Tenants, note: French law n° 89-462 (July 6, 1989) holds you responsible for minor plumbing upkeep like seal changes. It's inexpensive—a few euros and some effort!
