6 Reasons Why the Faucet Is Leaking

Leaky faucets are a problem for many homes and businesses. It is quite common around households, as people struggle to fix the leaking faucet. In some cases, the problem will exacerbate. Every year, households waste about 10,000 gallons of water due to dripping faucets.

Some individuals may overlook leaks, but dripping faucets will damage a house in many ways. Moreover, it is an annoying problem that may lead to many underlying issues. Hence, people should identify the problem as quickly as possible and avoid any disastrous troubles.

Most importantly, the leaking water causes the utility bills to skyrocket. People may notice a sudden spike in their monthly bills and will cost them money in the long run.

Why are faucets leaking? 

1. Worn-out O-ring 

In a plumbing system, cartridges control the flow of the water. It is a valve placed in primary connections. O-rings are small rubber discs attached to the stem screws. These rubber rings hold the handle of faucets in place. Therefore, leaking sinks may indicate that there is a problem with O-rings. Worn-out or damaged discs allow water to overflow from the faucet.

2. Damaged cartridge 

If the leak is originating from the faucet’s end, it indicates a damaged cartridge. The entire set can get corroded over time when it comes in contact with water. People should replace the damaged cartridge to prevent any leaks. One must make sure to replace the cartridge set with an identical cartridge.

3. Corroded valve 

The valve set connects the faucet and spout. After many years, the buildup of water sediments will corrode valve sets. This causes a leak and leads to more disastrous problems. People can avoid this problem by regularly cleaning their valve set. Make sure to hire professionals with specialized training to fix a corroded value.

4. Washers 

Another common reason for leakage is damaged washers. In the plumbing system, the friction between metal parts will wear out the washers. Faucet leaks indicate that there is a damaged washer in the system. Most commonly, incorrectly installed washers will also have poor compression and cause leaks.

5. Loose parts 

Modern faucet sets will have many small parts that may wear out over time. This problem affects the efficiency of systems and causes leakage. Loose parts should be addressed quickly and replaced to avoid more problems. Make sure to call professionals and replace them with loose parts with new seals.

6. Water pressure 

Faucets tend to drip during certain times. Water pressure is another common concern for this problem. High water pressure is the culprit for leaks in the daytime. In such cases, homeowners should hire professionals to evaluate the leakage and determine the underlying cause of an issue. They can fix the home’s water pressure.

How to fix a leaky faucet? 

Repairing leaky faucets should be done as soon as possible to save money on water bills and other damages. People should identify the cause of a leak and call for professional help. The plumbers are equipped with tools and resources to fix the problems. In some cases, people may even choose DIY repairs.

First, people should find out the type of faucet they have in their bathroom or kitchen. There are different types of faucets like single handle, modern pull-down, or twisted ball faucet. Based on the type of faucet, the repair steps will vary. Once the main water supply has been shut off, make sure to shut off any individual valves and turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water in the sink.

After this step, unscrew the faucet handle with an Allen wrench or hex key. Make sure to use a flat screwdriver to remove the top screw cover. The Phillips Head screwdriver is suitable for all types of faucets. Once the screws are removed, the faucet can be separated from the main installation. People should remove the faceplate and separate the handle from the wall. Unscrew any metal sleeves from the valve with a locking clip.

The faucet stem is found in most old-fashioned-style bathrooms. This part helps to regulate the flow of hot and cold water in the bathroom. Loosen the packing nut in the handle assembly and set aside the part. Pull the cartridge from the main assembly and gently set them apart.

After knowing the cartridge and stem type, it becomes easy to find the replacement part. However, people should contact the faucet manufacturer and have their recommendation to replace the part. Reattach the cartridge or stem in the assembly and align the new faucets correctly.