Ignoring Leaky Faucets Can Cause More Trouble

Considering your packed routine, it’s exhausting to find a leaking kitchen or bathroom faucet to dismiss this kind of thing as a trivial annoyance, but leaky faucets can cause widespread damage if not addressed soon. Find out what causes a faucet to leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how getting a professional plumber can help you save time, money and anxiety.

Causes of a Leaky Faucet

You count on your plumbing to function as expected, but a faucet leak can still show up for several reasons. Here are the main culprits.

1. Worn-Out O-Ring

The O-ring is a tiny ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps ensure a watertight seal close to the handle of the faucet. O-rings are worn and thinned down over time, allowing water to leak close to the faucet handle. They’re usually made of strong rubber, but even the best materials degrade with constant use and water exposure. Removing and replacing a worn-out O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it is best when you have the precise dimensions and model for your faucet.

2. Broken Gasket

The gasket forms another watertight seal between the faucet and the sink. A damaged gasket is the most common root cause if the base of your faucet is leaking. Over time, gaskets can break or become bent out of shape, impacting the entire seal. Just like O-rings, gaskets are fairly cheap and simple to replace, but finding the proper size is crucial.

3. Poorly Installed Washer

A worn-out or incorrectly installed washer can be something else that will often lead to leaks. Washers usually need replacing faster than other components due to the constant pressure they endure, so they often need more regular replacement.

4. The Valve Seat Is Worn or Rusted

A component known as the valve seat is what links the faucet itself to the spout and controls the water flow. Corrosion or other deterioration of the valve seat can cause the spout to leak. Mineral deposits from water with high mineral content is the most common cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Frequent cleaning can help a bit with clearing the buildup, but if the corrosion is extensive, the valve seat may require replacement.

Problems Related to Leaking Faucets

Overlooking a leaky faucet puts you at risk for a number of other plumbing issues than you may think. Here are the risks and possible consequences of trying to put it off:

Constant Drip Sounds

The nonstop drip, drip, drip of a dripping faucet can be extremely annoying, especially in quiet spaces or when you’re going to sleep. The ongoing noise, even when it’s something as small as a dripping faucet, will still cause extra stress.

Wasting Water and Higher Bills

A faucet leak squanders more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip per second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water annually, or as much as taking 180 showers. This “minor” leak negatively impacts the environment and increases your monthly water bill.

Higher Risk of Pest Issues

Even tiny amounts of water attract pests looking for food, water or shelter. A dripping faucet can lead to a breeding ground for insects and mice, especially in damp areas such as under the sink. If severe, these infestations will require pricey removal and control services.

Property Damage

A faucet leak can slowly cause structural damage over time, especially if the leak is in a place where water can build up. Over time, this leak can damage wood, foster mold growth and even start to impact your home’s foundation, leading to expensive renovations.

Weak Flow Pressure

A leaky faucet can lead to a decline in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to run other plumbing fixtures. Low water pressure can also make it harder to shower and run appliances that rely on adequate water pressure.

Why Call a Local Plumber?

Calling an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Professional plumbers possess the tools and expertise required to properly diagnose and resolve the problem.

Peace of Mind

With an Expert fixing the leak, you’ll know that the solution lasts, stopping future leaks and delivering peace of mind.

Cost-Effective Solution

While a faucet leak might seem like a trivial hassle, neglecting it for too long will often result in steeper monthly bills in the future, including a spike in your water bills and potentially even structural damage. Getting a plumber for a quick resolution is an economical investment.

Expert Advice

Experienced plumbers can give Expert advice on how to prevent issues with leaks and protect your plumbing fixtures so they stay in top shape.

Request Your Dripping Faucet Repair Today

If you have seen any of the likely signs of a leaky faucet, don’t delay—contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for reliable leaky faucet repair. We provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for skilled support.