Not Addressing Leaking Faucets May Lead to More Trouble

With your packed day to day, it’s irritating to notice a dripping It’s tempting to overlook this kind of thing as a minor concern, but faucet leaks can lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed soon. We’ll share what causes faucet leaks, why you shouldn’t ignore one, and how calling a plumber can help you save money, time and stress.

Reasons Behind a Leak in Your Faucets

You count on your fixtures to function as intended, but a faucet leak can still show up and cause trouble for a few different reasons. Here are the main culprits.

1. Damage to the O-Ring

The O-ring is a little ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps create a watertight seal for the faucet. O-rings are worn and thinned down over time, eventually leaking water close to the faucet handle. They’re generally made from strong rubber, but even the highest-quality materials deteriorate with such heavy use and water exposure. Swapping out a worn-out O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it requires the right measurements and kind of faucet.

2. Broken Gasket

The gasket forms another barrier between the faucet and the countertop. A damaged gasket is the most common root cause if the base of your faucet is leaking. Over time, gaskets can break or become misshapen, weakening their ability to seal properly. Just like O-rings, gaskets are comparatively inexpensive and straightforward to replace, but choosing the proper fit is important.

3. A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose

A damaged or improperly installed washer can regularly result in leaks. Washers tend to break down sooner than other components due to the continuous pressure exerted on them, so they often need more frequent replacement.

4. A Rusty Valve Seat

A faucet’s valve seat links the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the water flowing through. Corrosion or other deterioration of the valve seat can cause the spout to leak. Clogs and mineral deposits from water with high mineral content is the biggest cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. A regular cleaning schedule can help a bit with preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is extensive, the valve seat may require replacement.

Other Issues Related to a Leak in Your Faucet

Ignoring a dripping faucet exposes you to other and potentially bigger problems than you might expect. Here are the possible consequences of trying to put it off:

Irritating Dripping Sounds

The persistent drip, drip, drip of a dripping faucet can be extremely frustrating, especially in quiet settings or when you’re trying to sleep. The persistent noise, even of something as minor as a dripping faucet, can still result in extra stress.

Wasting Water and Money

A leaky faucet squanders more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip each second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water annually, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This “minor” leak hurts the ecosystem and raises your water bills.

Possible Pest Problems

Even small amounts of water lure pests looking for food, water or shelter. A dripping faucet can lead to a breeding ground for insects and mice, especially in moist areas such as under the sink. If severe, these pest issues will require costly removal and control services.

Water Damage

A faucet leak can gradually cause more water damage over time, mainly if the leak is in an area where water can sit without evaporating. With enough time, this leak can distort wood, encourage mold growth and even start to weaken your home’s foundation, which means long and expensive repairs.

Decreased Flow Pressure

A faucet leak can lead to a drop in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to operate other plumbing parts. Low water pressure can also make it harder to wash dishes and run appliances that rely on adequate water pressure.

Why Call a Local Plumber?

Hiring an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Experienced plumbers have the tools and expertise required to uncover and repair the problem.

Reassurance and Total Peace of Mind

With a plumber taking care of the problem, you’ll know that the solution lasts, avoiding future leaks and replacing them with peace of mind.

Affordable Solution

While a leaky faucet might feel closer to a trivial annoyance, neglecting it for too long can result in steeper bills down the line, including higher water bills and potentially even foundation damage. Getting a plumber for a quick resolution is a cost-effective investment.

Expert Insight

Plumbers can provide valuable advice on how to prevent future problems and maintain your plumbing system so it stays in good working order.

Arrange Faucet Leak Repair Today

If you notice the warning signs of a dripping faucet, don’t hesitate—contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for dependable leaky faucet repair. We offer fast, long-lasting solutions to all your plumbing issues. Contact us today for Expert local help.