3 Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet

Faucets are an integral part of any property with a plumbing system as they are responsible for delivering water from water supply lines and controlling the flow of water in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and other areas. Like other components of a plumbing system, faucets can become damaged and begin to leak. A leaky faucet usually presents itself as a steady drip from the spout or leaking water around the handle of the faucet.

A leaking faucet is certainly annoying. But along with disturbing your peace, a leaky faucet can waste a lot of water. A faucet that drips once per second can add over 10% to your water bill.

If you have a leaky faucet in your home, you’ll want to call an experienced plumber as soon as possible to get it fixed. Ignoring a leaking faucet can turn a simple repair of $200 into an $800 plumbing project.

There are many reasons why your faucet might be leaking. Let’s look at three common causes of a leaky faucet.

• Bad O-Ring

An O-ring is a small disc that is attached to the stem screw to hold the handle in place and prevent water from oozing out around the spout. This is a common place where dripping can occur. The O-ring inevitably wears down over time due to regular use, causing the faucet to leak around the handle. If your faucet is leaking beneath the faucet handle, a damaged O-ring might be the cause. An O-ring replacement will most likely fix the problem.

• Loose Parts

The different parts of a faucet including the adjusting ring, packing nut, and spring can become loosened over time due to several factors. The washers can also deteriorate due to repetitive motion and pressure against the valve seat. Your faucet can also leak if the washer is installed incorrectly or is the wrong size. If your faucet is leaking due to loose parts, call a reputable plumbing company like Neighborhood Plumbing and get the issue diagnosed right away.

• Deteriorated Valve Seat

The valve seat is the component that connects the faucet and the spout in the compression mechanism. Over time, minerals present in water can cause the valve seat to corrode and wear out, resulting in leaking around the spout of your faucet. You can prevent this problem by cleaning the valve regularly and having a plumber inspect your faucet valve seat regularly to prevent leaks. If your faucet is leaking around the spot, a corroded valve seat might be the cause, and it might need to be replaced entirely.

Need Faucet Repair in Your Home? Call Neighborhood Plumbing for Assistance

If you have a leaky faucet and seem unable to fix the problem, simply call Neighborhood Plumbing to help you out. Whether it be a leaky faucet, a pipe leakage, or a broken water line, our knowledgeable and experienced plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing have the right tools to provide you with a reliable solution.

From faucet leak repair to pipe repair and leak detection services, Neighborhood Plumbing can provide you with all the residential and commercial plumbing services you require.