Not Fixing Leaking Faucets May Result in Costly Problems

Considering your packed routine, it’s frustrating to find a leaky Some homeowners choose to ignore this issue as a small annoyance, but even minor leaks can result in more significant damage if not addressed right away. Learn what makes a faucet leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how getting a professional plumber can help you save time, money and stress.

Causes of a Leaky Faucet

You rely on your fixtures to work as expected, but a faucet leak can still show up for several reasons. Here are the most common sources of leaks.

1. Damage to the O-Ring

The O-ring is a tiny rubber seal that helps ensure a watertight seal close to the handle of the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, eventually leaking water close to the faucet handle. They’re typically made with resilient rubber, but even the best materials will still wear down with constant use and water exposure. Swapping out an old O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it is best when you have the correct measurements and model for your faucet.

2. Broken Gasket

The gasket creates another seal between the faucet and the surrounding sink or countertop. A cracked gasket is the most common root cause if the bottom of your faucet starts to leak. With enough time, gaskets can split or become bent out of shape, impacting their ability to seal properly. Like O-rings, gaskets are fairly cheap and straightforward to replace, but choosing the proper size is the first step.

3. Poorly Installed Washer

A damaged or incorrectly installed washer can routinely cause leaks. Washers tend to break sooner than other components because of the continuous pressure they endure, so they often end up needing more regular attention.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A component known as the valve seat links the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the water flowing through. Rust or similar damage to the valve seat may cause the spout to start leaking. Mineral deposits from water with high mineral content is the primary cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Regular cleaning helps with limiting buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat may have to be replaced.

Other Possible Complications Related to Leaking Faucets

Neglecting a leaky faucet makes you vulnerable to a number of other plumbing issues than you might expect. Here are the possible costs of inaction:

Annoying Drip Noises

The continuous drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be extremely frustrating, especially in quiet homes or when you’re going to sleep. The constant noise, even if it is something as small as a dripping faucet, will still cause extra anxiety.

Wasting Water and Money

A leaky faucet is wasting more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip every second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water per year, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This much waste is bad for the ecosystem and raises your water bills.

Possible Pest Issues

Even small amounts of water attract bugs searching for food, water or shelter. A dripping faucet can create a hotbed for roaches and rats, especially in moist areas such as under the sink. If severe, these pest issues will require expensive removal and control services.

Structural Damage

A leaky faucet can slowly but surely cause more property damage over time, particularly if the leak is in a spot where water can pool. With enough time, this standing water can warp wood, foster mold growth and even start to weaken your home’s foundation, leading to expensive restorations.

Decreased Pressure of Water

A leaky faucet can lead to a decrease in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to run other plumbing features. Poor water pressure can also make it harder to wash dishes and run appliances that require sufficient water pressure.

Why Get Help from Expert Plumbers?

Getting an Expert for plumbing services can help you save time and money. Plumbers have the tools and knowledge necessary to uncover and repair the problem.

Total Comfort and Peace of Mind

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

Cost-Effective Solution

While a dripping faucet might appear closer to a trivial annoyance, ignoring it for too long could result in bigger monthly bills down the line, including higher water bills and in severe cases, property damage. Hiring a plumber for a quick resolution is an economical choice.

Expert Insight

Experienced plumbers can give useful advice and recommendations on how to prevent issues with leaks and maintain your plumbing pipes so they stay in good working order.

Arrange Faucet Leak Repair Today

If you have seen any of the telltale signs of a leaky faucet, don’t wait—call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for dependable leaky faucet repair. We deliver speedy, longer-lasting repairs to all your plumbing issues. Contact us today for Expert local support.