Did you know that a year’s worth of water wasted from your leaky faucets could fill up 180 showers?
That’s right—if you leave those drips unchecked, they could add up to over 3,000 gallons of wasted water in just one year. Not only does this drive up your water bill, but it can also cause damage to your sink, countertop, or surrounding areas.
The good news? Fixing a leaky faucet is usually a simple task. With a little know-how, most leaks can be easily repaired. Here’s a helpful guide from Ascent Plumbing Air Conditioning & Heating to show you how to address the most common causes of faucet leaks.
Loose Handles
Sometimes, a leaky faucet is caused by something as simple as a loose handle. When the handle isn’t tight enough, it can interfere with the internal components of the faucet, leading to leaks around the base.
Fortunately, fixing this problem is relatively easy. Start by turning off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the handle and check for any loose screws or fittings. Tighten everything up, making sure all connections are secure. If the problem doesn’t budge, you may need to inspect the internal valve components or call a plumber for more advanced troubleshooting.
O-ring Issues
Another common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps seal the faucet handle to the valve stem. Over time, the O-ring can become damaged or brittle, leading to crackers where the water can escape.
Like with a loose handle, replacing the O-ring is a simple fix. First, turn off the water supply and remove the handle to expose the valve. Then, carefully remove the old O-ring and take it to your local hardware store to find an exact match. Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring to help it slide into place, and then reassemble the faucet. This should resolve the leak, but if it doesn’t, the valve seat or internal components may also need attention.
Faulty Washer
A faulty washer is one of the most common causes of leaking faucets, especially in compression-style faucets. The washer is what presses against the valve seat to create a watertight seal. Similar to O-rings, washers can become worn out or damaged, causing water to seep through the faucet.
To fix this, you need to disassemble the faucet to access the valve stem. Remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Make sure the replacement washer matches the original size and material to ensure a proper fit. Once the new washer is in place, reassemble the faucet and test it to see if the leak has stopped.
Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat is the part of the faucet where the washer presses against to create a tight seal. Over time, minerals in the water can build up on the valve seat, causing it to corrode or become rough. This can prevent the washer from forming a proper seal, leading to leaks.
Initiate the repair by assembling the faucet and removing the old valve. Inspect the valve seat for any corrosion or mineral buildup, and use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean it. If the corrosion is severe, you may need to replace the valve seat altogether. Regular cleaning of the valve seat can help prevent this issue from occurring in the future.
Broken Pipes
In some cases, a leaky faucet could be the result of a broken or cracked pipe within your plumbing system. If you hear a hissing sound, notice puddles of water around the base of the faucet, or see water stains on the wall or ceiling, it may indicate that there’s a more serious problem with your pipes.
To fix this, first turn off the water supply to your home to prevent further leakage. Then, check the pipes leading to the faucet for visible cracks or breaks. If you find any damage, you may need to replace the broken pipe section. This can be a more complex repair, so if you’re unsure how to handle it, it’s best to call a plumber to inspect and fix the problem.
High Water Pressure
Sometimes, the issue with a leaky faucet isn’t the faucet itself, but the water pressure in your home. If your water pressure is too high, you might also experience problems with your faucet and other plumbing fixtures, likely leading to frequent faucet and toilets repair.
To fix high water pressure, use a water pressure gauge to measure the pressure coming into your home. Water pressure should read between 60 and 80 PSI. If it’s higher than that, you may need to install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to regulate the water flow and prevent further damage to your faucets and other plumbing fixtures.
Get Fast Faucet Repair with Ascent Plumbing Air Conditioning and Heating
If you’ve noticed a leaky faucet in your home, letting it sit without a solution can only lead to bigger problems, like water damage and inflated bills. But, while faucet repair can be an easy DIY task, it’s still best to book expert help when the problem becomes bigger than your personal repair capacity.
At Ascent Plumbing Air Conditioning and Heating, we specialize in fast and reliable faucet repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a loose handle, a worn-out washer, or a more complex plumbing issue, our team of experts is here to help.
Call us today, and let us help you stop that wasteful drip!
In 2023, Ascent Plumbing Air Conditioning and Heating marked its fifth year in business - five years of treating customers like family, delivering quality work, and staying true to their founding values.
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