Why do faucets leak?

Statistics show that a single leaking faucet can waste approximately 3,000 gallons of water in a year. It is the most under-inspected part of a home’s structure. A leaky faucet creates a lot of trouble including disturbed sleep and a dramatic rise in your water bill. If you are looking to get rid of the constant drip, drip, drip sound, then it is imperative to understand the cause behind a leaking faucet. In the majority of cases, homeowners with the right tools and some plumbing knowledge can fix this issue themselves. While in other cases, you may want to hire a professional.

Let’s dive into the reasons why faucets can leak.

Malfunctioning O-ring

The stem screw on the faucet’s handle has a small disc called the o-ring. It is a common point where dripping ensues over time when the O ring wears out or becomes loose. As a result, you get a leaking faucet near the handle. This problem has a simple solution: replace the O-ring and the annoying dripping will stop.

Rusted Valve Seat

Connecting the faucet with the spout, the valve seat is an integral part of the faucet. If the leak is coming from the spout itself, there is a high chance that a rusted valve seat is causing the leak. Water sediments accumulate and can cause corrosion/rust leading to a leaking faucet. To avoid this problem, you should regularly clean out the valve seat to delay corrosion. Replacing the valve seat is an excellent solution once the damage is done.

Improper Washer Installation

Choosing the wrong faucet size or improper installation is a common cause of a leaking faucet. It will inevitably cause a leak, which is why it is best to hire a professional plumber to install the faucet. If done correctly, you can bid farewell to high water bills, sleepless nights, and the annoying dripping noise.

Worn Out Washers

The washers in a faucet are rubber or metal pieces that close gaps in the pipe to inhibit leaks. When you use the sink, its mechanism forces the washer against the valve seat to cause constant friction. Over time, the washer wears out and you will begin noticing a leak around the spout. This problem is common amongst compression sinks. Swapping the worn-out washer is an easy way to mend the leaking faucet.

Water Pressure

Do you only experience a leaking faucet during a particular time of the day? Then the issue might be high water pressure in your home. In this scenario, the faucets will not leak all the time. Leaks owing to high pressure begin with small leaks and ultimately lead to bigger leaks in the piping, which deteriorates the situation.

Final Thoughts: Why do I have a leaking faucet?

There are numerous reasons that result in a leaking faucet. Diagnosing a leak isn’t complicated but will require observation skills. The majority of faucet leaks can be taken as a DIY task if you are familiar with plumbing mechanics. However, if you are unable to identify the issue and are tired of the dripping noise; then contact Plumb-All for professional help.