Not Addressing a Leaky Faucet Can Result in More Trouble

With your hectic schedule, it’s frustrating to find a leaky kitchen or bathroom faucet to ignore this problem as a minor concern, but leaky faucets can lead to extensive problems if not addressed promptly. Find out what causes a faucet to leak, why you shouldn’t ignore one, and how hiring a plumber can save you money, time and stress.

Causes of a Leaky Faucet

You expect your plumbing fixtures to work as intended, but a leaky faucet can still pop up for several reasons. Here are the main culprits.

1. Worn-Out O-Ring

The O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps create a watertight seal for the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, allowing water to leak along the faucet handle. They’re typically made from durable rubber, but even the best materials degrade with constant use and water exposure. Replacing a worn-out O-ring is a simple fix, but it requires the right dimensions and type of faucet.

2. Cracked Gasket

The gasket provides another seal between the faucet and the sink. A damaged gasket is the likely culprit if the base of your faucet starts to leak. With enough time, gaskets can crack or become misshapen, impacting their ability to seal properly. Like O-rings, gaskets are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, but finding the correct size is the first step.

3. A Washer Was Installed Poorly

A worn-out or improperly installed washer can routinely cause leaks. Washers tend to wear out faster than other components because of the constant pressure exerted on them, so they often need more frequent replacement.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A faucet’s valve seat connects the faucet itself to the spout and controls the water flow. Corrosion or similar damage to the valve seat may cause the spout to start leaking. Mineral deposits from hard water is the most common cause of a rusted or leaking seal valve. Regular cleaning helps with preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat will need to be replaced.

Problems Associated with Leaky Faucets

Ignoring a leaky faucet puts you at risk for more problems with the plumbing than you may realize. Here are the potential costs of inaction:

Annoying Dripping Sounds

The constant drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be incredibly irritating, especially in quiet homes or when you’re trying to sleep. The persistent noise, even if it is something as minor as a dripping faucet, will still cause extra stress.

Wasted Water and Money

A leaky faucet wastes more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip each second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water annually, or enough to take about 180 showers. This much waste negatively impacts the environment and increases your monthly water bill.

Possible Pest Infestations

Even small amounts of water attract pests looking for food, water or just a place to hide. A leaky faucet can create a breeding ground for insects and rodents, especially in dark areas like under the sink. If severe, these infestations will require costly extermination services.

Structural Damage

A leaky faucet can slowly cause structural damage over time, particularly if the leak is in an area where water can accumulate. With enough time, this moisture can warp wood, encourage mold growth and even start to impact your home’s foundation, which means long and expensive repairs.

Decreased Water Pressure

A leaky faucet can cause a drop in water pressure, making it difficult to use other plumbing fixtures. Low water pressure can also make it harder to shower and run appliances that depend on adequate water pressure.

Why Hire Expert, Local Plumbers?

Hiring an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Plumbers have the tools and experience necessary to uncover and fix the problem.

Peace of Mind

With a plumber handling the repairs, you can trust that the job is done right, preventing future leaks and replacing them with peace of mind.

Cost-Effective Solution

While a leaky faucet might seem like a minor problem, ignoring it for too long will often lead to bigger costs in the future, including higher water bills and even property damage. Hiring a plumber for a quick resolution is a cost-effective investment.

Expert Advice

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

Schedule Leaky Faucet Repair Now

If you notice the telltale signs of a leaky faucet, don’t wait—contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for reliable leaky faucet repair. We provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today for professional assistance.