Learn 6 Common Causes for Leaky Faucets & DIY Solutions

Imagine you have worked a long day and are ready to relax with a wonderful novel on the sofa. Until now, when you're just starting to relax, you hear it. The continuous plop, plip and plop. Your leaking faucet has done it again. It's not only the noise that is making you crazy, but also the water it wastes and increases your water bill. 

Believe it or not, you are not alone. A faucet that leaks water is one of the most annoying problems in the home. Although a dripping faucet might seem a little irritating, it can lead to serious issues. Leaky faucets also negatively impact the environment by limiting available groundwater. 

In this blog post, we will discuss six common causes of a leaky faucet repair. So let's roll up our sleeves and learn prevention because a quiet, leak-free home is only a few steps away.

6 Reasons Behind Your Leaky Faucet

There are several possible causes for a dripping faucet but fear not, the issue is fixable. Here is a brief overview of the six most common causes of a leaky faucet.

Worn Out Washers

Suppose the washer in your faucet handles as a tiny superhero who works hard to make a watertight seal and stop leaks. However, just like any other superhero, washers can lose their powers over time. When this happens, the faucet drips, which is irritating, wastes water, and also can drive you crazy. 

However, don't worry, replacing a worn-out washer is an easy fix which will save you money and tension. Restoring your faucet to its original condition and ending the annoying drip can be accomplished in a few minutes by replacing the washer.

So grab your equipment, turn off the water supply, and prepare to replace those old washers with new ones.

Loose O-Rings

If the washer is the hero, then the O-ring is the handy dandy buddy. It works with the washer to ensure your faucet doesn't leak. The O-ring is a tiny but powerful disc that sits at the bottom of the faucet and can sometimes come loose over time. 

Whenever this occurs, water can leak out of the base of the faucet, making it drip. But don't worry! With a few easy steps, you can tighten or replace the O-ring and bring your faucet to its former glory. So avoid letting a loose O-ring get you down. Or get help from professionals in this tricky leaky faucet repair.

Corroded Valve Seats

The valve seats, which connect the faucet to the spout, are essential for keeping a watertight seal. However, these tiny metal parts can wear down or rust over time, causing leaks and drips. Corrosion happens when water with a lot of minerals slowly eats away at the metal, causing it to deteriorate and get pits and grooves that let water leak through.

The best part is that you can resolve this issue by replacing the valve seat. To do this, you must remove the faucet and replace the broken part with a new one. With a new valve seat, your faucet will return to its original state and won't leak.

Faulty Cartridge

The cartridge in your faucet is like the motor in a car. It controls how much water comes out as well as how warm it is. However, when it breaks down, it can lead to various issues such as leaks, imbalanced water pressure, and trouble controlling the temperature. 

There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a cartridge, such as mineral buildup or normal wear and tear. Fixing a faulty cartridge includes disassembling the faucet, removing the old cartridge, and putting in a fresh one. When you've done this, your faucet will run smoothly again, and you'll be able to regulate the water pressure and temperature.

High Water Pressure

High water pressure can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it's handy for filling a pot with water quickly or taking a quick shower. On the other hand, it can lead to more serious issues with your plumbing, such as a dripping faucet. The washers and other parts inside your faucet can wear out faster due to excessive water pressure, resulting in leaks and drips.

Some simple methods for resolving this issue include installing a pressure regulator or adjusting the water pressure at the main valve. By taking steps to deal with high water pressure, you can protect your plumbing and keep a dripping faucet from driving you crazy.

Worn Out Seals

Seals function the same way like a glue as it holds your faucet parts together. They strengthen the structure against leaks by creating an effective barrier. Yet like any sealant, seals could become worn out over a period of time, causing them to crack or break.

When this happens, water can seep through the cracks, making that annoying drip. The good news is that worn-out seals are easy to fix. It's easy to fix by just getting a replacement part. By doing so, you'll be capable of fixing your faucet's seal and eliminating that annoying drip permanently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ignoring a dripping faucet can cause major issues. It wastes water and increases your water bill, and it can cause plumbing trouble later. By identifying and fixing the drip, you will also save money, water, and your home. Each solution to fix a leaky faucet repair is straightforward and effective, changing a washer, tightening an O-ring, or replacing a valve seat. Don't ignore that familiar drip—fix it!

Whenever it arrives to a plumbing issue, it's essential to get a warrior you rely on. Patriot's plumbing is your trusted buddy! We solve any plumbing problem with our years of expertise and knowledge. Whether your plumbing problem is big or small, we have a solution. 

No matter the problem, from a dripping sink to a burst pipe, we got you covered. Our 24/7 emergency services ensure that plumbing support is always available. You can rest assured that any problems you are having with your plumbing will be fixed quickly and thoroughly by our plumbing services. Get a free estimate now!