Many homeowners ignore a leaking faucet due to the misconception that it is “no big concern” and is, therefore, not worth calling a plumber.
Approximately 30 gallons of water per day could be lost due to faucet leaks and cost a lot of money. The daily cost of a faucet leaking water may reach $100.
This occurrence can result in inconvenience by causing a shortage of water. Plus, your water bill may hike significantly.
Remember, unlike the synchronized tick-tock of the clock, the plinking sound of water is considered displeasing.
But what causes a faucet to drip? Some common reasons include rust and mineral buildup on internal parts as well as faulty seals, O-rings, or washers.
To find some quick fixes, search online for why faucets leak and how to fix them quickly.
How To Identify The Source Of A Leaking Faucet?
Leaks in the facet are caused by many reasons. Most of the time, a simple examination might not get you to the root cause of why my sink is dripping. To identify the source of the leak, it is helpful to have some knowledge of the types of faucets in your home. Mostly a leaking faucet is fixed by replacing the worn-out rubber seals, which can happen over time.
What Are The Causes Of A Faucet Leak?
Faucets are amongst the most overlooked parts of a home’s framework. If they are not regularly maintained, several things can go wrong and lead to a disturbed lifestyle, such as disrupting your sleep, increasing water usage costs, leaving water stains, etc.
According to a study, nearly 1 trillion gallons of water are lost annually in the United States due to faucet leakage. Besides, a standard leaky faucet in a single home can waste up to 10,000 tons of water yearly. However, one may wonder what causes a leaky faucet or why faucets leak.
There are numerous reasons why faucets drip, but depending on the issue, you can repair a dripping faucet yourself.
Let’s look at some leading causes that cause the faucets to leak.
O-Ring Failure
Why does my faucet have a slow drip? Well, O-rings are the biggest cause of dripping faucets. An O-ring is a thin disc connected to the stem bolt which grips the faucet and holds it in place.
It is a common problem, especially with bullet faucets. Over time, regular use softens or wears out a faucet’s O-rings, resulting in a drip next to the faucet’s grip. It can be fixed with a simple O-ring modification.
Washer Issues
The washer is one of the most common reasons why my faucet is leaking. As you turn on your faucet, the washer is pushed against the valve plate, and repeated friction wears out the washer, causing it to drip or dribble water. Moreover, faucet leakage can happen if the washer is improperly placed or is the incorrect size.
It is the type of leak found in a compaction faucet and if that is the issue, changing out your washer is an ideal solution.
Valve Seat Corrosion
One of the most common reasons why is my bathroom faucet leaking is a corroded valve seat. So, if the leak comes from the nozzle, the valve seat that connects your faucet and the nozzle may be faulty.
It could be due to liquid deposition, which causes the valve seat to rust, resulting in nozzle leakage. You can avoid this by cleaning the valve seat regularly, preferably with the help of a qualified professional.
Strong Water Pressure
If your faucet drips at intervals or no other fittings are used, this indicates that your water level is high. If neglected, it can cause small leakage in your faucet and eventually lead to a small leak in the pipelines, which can worsen over time.
So, if you are concerned about why my kitchen faucet is leaking, call a professional to assess the water pressure in your taps.
Spare Parts
Why does my bathroom faucet leak? It could be due to various factors, but one critical cause could be faulty spare parts.
An advanced faucet contains several components that provide a constant flow of water. The components may wear out after some time and, as a result, quit functioning correctly. It could be due to a leaking faucet near the base caused by the wrapping nut or adapting circle.
However, if you want to fix this issue, remove the grip and tighten the tweaking ring on a rotating ball faucet. But, if the leak from the base persists, the seals or coils may need to be replaced.
Plumbing Problems
A leaking faucet could also indicate cracked, dented, or rusted pipes and improper fittings. This disrupts the water pressure and causes leakage.
If you suspect your faucet is dripping because of faulty plumbing, contact a piping repair service immediately. It is best to leave this situation to the professionals, whether it’s a cracked pipe or a significant leak linked explicitly to the pipes beneath your wash basin.
Used Seals
Seals are critical components of a faucet’s mechanism. As water leaves drainage and nutrient deposits behind after repetitive use, these substances can harm and make seals useless.
You can repair the damaged seals yourself if you’re a skilled do-it-yourselfer, but it is advised to contact a qualified plumber for assistance.
Washer Installation Error
If a washer is installed incorrectly or is the wrong size, it will eventually leak. To fix such issues, an experienced plumber is required to ensure that a new faucet is installed correctly. Proper installation is the only way to fix it if it is placed incorrectly.
Key Takeaways for Faucet Leaks
Faulty faucets can result in major water loss and repair costs, as well as disrupt your lifestyle. They are mostly caused by improper maintenance; however, numerous reasons can lead to leaking taps. There are various methods and tips for avoiding or repairing dripping faucets, but if you are unaware of the root cause, attempting to fix it may worsen the leak or cost you far more than expected.
If you want to repair your faucet drip, it is best to contact skilled and experienced plumbers to avoid problems after the leaks are fixed. Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC can assist you in resolving all of your plumbing issues and provide excellent services in this regard.
