Ignoring a Leaky Faucet May Lead to Costly Problems

Considering your packed schedule, it’s exhausting to find a leaky kitchen or bathroom faucet to overlook this issue as a trivial annoyance, but leaky faucets can cause more significant damage if not taken care of quickly. We’ll share what makes a faucet leak, why it’s important to fix them, and how getting a professional plumber can help you save time, money and stress.

Reasons Behind a Leak in Your Faucets

You rely on your plumbing to function as expected, but a faucet leak can still show up and cause trouble for a few different reasons. Here are the most common root causes.

1. Damage to the O-Ring

The O-ring is a tiny ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps form a leak-proof seal in the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, eventually leaking water close to the faucet handle. They’re generally made of resilient rubber, but even the best materials deteriorate with regular use and water exposure. Removing and replacing a worn-out O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it needs the correct dimensions and kind of faucet.

2. Broken Gasket

The gasket forms another seal between the faucet and the countertop. A broken gasket is the most likely reason if the bottom of your faucet is leaking. With enough time, gaskets can break or become misshapen, affecting their ability to seal properly. Like O-rings, gaskets are comparatively low cost and simple to replace, but finding the right fit is crucial.

3. Poorly Installed Washer

A damaged or incorrectly installed washer can regularly cause leaks. Washers usually wear out sooner than other pieces because of the continuous pressure exerted on them, so they often end up needing more regular replacement.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A component known as the valve seat connects the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the water flow. Corrosion or other deterioration of the valve seat may cause the spout to drip. Mineral deposits from hard water is the most common cause of a rusted or leaking seal valve. A regular cleaning schedule can help a bit with preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat may have to be replaced.

Other Issues Associated with Leaking Faucets

Overlooking a faucet leak puts you at risk for more problems with the plumbing than you may think. Here are the potential consequences of doing nothing:

Irritating Dripping Sounds

The nonstop drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be highly frustrating, especially in quiet rooms or when you’re going to sleep. The constant noise, even of something as small as a dripping faucet, will still result in extra stress.

Wasting Water and High Monthly Bills

A dripping faucet uses up more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water annually, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This “minor” leak negatively impacts the ecosystem and raises your water bills.

Potential Pest Infestations

Even small amounts of water bring in insects looking for food, water or just a place to hide. A dripping faucet can encourage a breeding ground for roaches and rats, especially in moist areas such as under the sink. If severe, these infestations will require costly extermination and prevention treatment services.

Water Damage

A dripping faucet can slowly cause property damage over time, especially if the leak is in a spot where water can accumulate. Over time, this standing water can distort wood, foster mold growth and even start to impact your home’s foundation, resulting in extensive AND expensive restorations.

Weak Pressure of Water

A dripping faucet can cause a decrease in water pressure, making it hard to operate other plumbing fixtures. Decreased water pressure can also make it difficult to wash dishes and run appliances that depend on sufficient water pressure.

Why Call a Local Plumber?

Hiring an Expert for plumbing services can save you from wasting time and money. Professional plumbers have the tools and knowledge required to properly diagnose and resolve the leak entirely.

Peace of Mind

With a plumber fixing the leak, you can count on the fact that the job is done right, stopping future leaks and delivering peace of mind.

Budget-Friendly Solution

While a faucet leak might seem closer to a trivial problem, not addressing it for too long could result in bigger costs in the future, including higher water bills and in severe cases, property damage. Calling a plumber for quick repairs is an economical investment.

Expert Advice

Plumbers can give Expert advice on how to prevent issues with leaks and preserve your plumbing pipes so they stay in good working order.

Arrange Dripping Faucet Repair Today

If you spy any of the telltale signs of a dripping faucet, don’t hesitate—call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for reliable leaky faucet repair. We deliver quick, long-lasting solutions to all your plumbing issues. Contact us today for professional support.