Not Addressing Leaky Faucets Can Result in More Trouble
Given your hectic day to day, it’s irritating to discover a leaking It’s tempting to overlook this issue as a small annoyance, but even minor leaks can lead to widespread problems if left unaddressed promptly. 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 money, time and worry.
Causes of a Leak in Your Faucets
You rely on your plumbing fixtures to work as intended, but a leaky faucet can still happen and cause trouble for a few different reasons. Here are the most common root causes.
1. Worn-Out O-Ring
The O-ring is a tiny rubber seal that helps form a watertight seal close to the handle of the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, allowing water to leak around the faucet handle. They’re generally made with resilient rubber, but even the finest materials break down with regular use and water exposure. Replacing an old O-ring is an easy fix, but it requires the correct dimensions and kind of faucet.
2. Broken Gasket
The gasket creates another seal between the faucet and the countertop. A broken gasket is the most common root cause if the base of your faucet leaks. After a long time, gaskets can crack or become bent out of shape, affecting the entire seal. Just like O-rings, gaskets are fairly low cost and simple to replace, but finding the correct fit is essential.
3. Poorly Installed Washer
A damaged or incorrectly installed washer can routinely result in leaks. Washers typically break sooner than other parts due to the continuous pressure exerted on them, so they often require more frequent attention.
4. Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat links the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the water flowing through. Corrosion or similar damage to the valve seat can cause the spout to drip. Clogs and mineral deposits from hard water is the biggest cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Regular cleaning helps with clearing the buildup, but if the corrosion is extensive, the valve seat may need to be replaced.
Other Possible Complications Related to a Leak in Your Faucet
Neglecting a leaky faucet exposes you to a number of other plumbing issues than you might think. Here are the possible complications of doing nothing:
Annoying Drip Noises
The constant drip, drip, drip of a faucet leak can be extremely irritating, especially in quiet homes or when you’re attempting to sleep. The persistent noise, even when it’s something as minor as a dripping faucet, will still cause extra stress.
Wasting Water and High Monthly Bills
A faucet leak uses up 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 much waste hurts the environment and increases your monthly water bill.
Possible Pest Infestations
Even small amounts of water lure pests searching for food, water or shelter. A faucet leak can encourage a better environment for insects and rats, particularly in dark areas including under the sink. If ignored for too long pest issues will require expensive extermination services.
Property Damage
A dripping faucet can slowly contribute to structural damage over time, especially if the leak is in an area where water can accumulate. Over time, this moisture can warp wood, encourage mold growth and even start to impact your home’s foundation, leading to expensive renovations.
Weak Flow Pressure
A dripping faucet can result in a decline in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to operate other plumbing features. Low water pressure can also make it challenging to use appliances that depend on sufficient water pressure.
Why Hire Expert, Local Plumbers?
Getting an Expert for plumbing services can save you from wasting time and money. Experienced plumbers have the equipment and expertise needed to uncover and fix the leak entirely.
Reassurance and Total Peace of Mind
With a professional handling the repairs, you can trust that the work is done to the higher standards, preventing future leaks and replacing them with peace of mind.
Budget-Friendly Solution
While a dripping faucet might feel like a trivial annoyance, not addressing it for too long will often result in larger bills in the future, including a spike in your water bills and even foundation damage. Hiring a plumber for quick repairs is an affordable investment.
Expert Insight
Experienced plumbers can provide useful advice and recommendations on ways to prevent issues with leaks and preserve your plumbing system so it stays in good working order.
Schedule Dripping Faucet Repair Now
If you have seen any of the warning signs of a dripping faucet, don’t delay—reach out to A1 Chesney Service Experts for reliable leaky faucet repair. We offer quick, long-lasting solutions to all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for Expert local assistance.