All About Leaky Faucets
Like other hardware in a home, taps do not last forever and occasionally leak. There is a point at which they stop working correctly, although it usually just starts with an occasional drip. Leaking faucets should not be neglected and instead, be fixed as soon as possible. This blog will discuss dripping faucets, their consequences, common causes, and fixing them so homeowners can go back to having peace of mind that they aren’t constantly wasting water.
Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore a Dripping Faucet
Though the problem may be harder to ignore than others due to the noise it makes, a dripping faucet should not be blown off or pushed to the side for another day. It can be a bigger problem than it may at first seem. Here are issues that can result from a leaky tap:
- Wasted Water: If a person has ever put a bucket under a slow to moderate drip, then they know that the water adds up much more quickly than one might expect, and the bucket will need to be emptied fairly often.
- Mold and Mildew: Wet spots are a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This constant dripping will prevent certain areas from fully drying and may lead to a problem with mold or mildew. Viruses and bacteria often thrive in these environments as well.
- Water Bill: The water bill will be much higher if water is allowed to drip from a leak. Water loss through the leak costs the homeowner money.
- Water Damage: If the problem with the tap is ignored, the leak could cause water damage to the home or nearby materials.
Causes of the Leaks
Faucet leaks can happen for several different reasons. One of the most common reasons is worn-out or broken parts. The O-ring is a silicone or rubber washer that helps keep the valve in the tap sealed. If it is loose or broken, then a leak can occur.
Corroded parts are another reason for leaks. Corrosion can occur due to the chemicals or minerals in the water, which is typically a larger issue in areas with hard water, or merely from age and exposure. If parts of the tap are corroded, it will likely need to be replaced instead of repaired.
Leaky Faucet Repair
The process of repairing a dripping faucet differs slightly depending on the type of faucet and the cause of the leak so hiring a plumber is the best and safest option to make sure any faucet repair or replacement is done correctly. In order to fix a leaky faucet, the faucet cartridge likely needs replacing. This piece is basically the valve mechanism that turns the tap on and off.
New cartridges typically require a person to replace the O-ring and spring as well. All taps are different, and there is no universal faucet cartridge, so people must be careful to purchase the correct one. This is one of the reasons that it is best to have a plumber install it. The basic steps for installing a faucet cartridge are:
- Turn off the water.
- Take off the decorative cover that hides the bolt for the handle.
- Take out the bolt.
- Remove the handle, the old sink cartridge, the O-ring, and the spring.
- Place the new spring, new O-ring, and new sink cartridge inside.
- Put back on the handle, bolt, and decorative cover.
- Turn the water back on to test.
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
Sheely Plumbing Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Alto, MI, and the greater Grand Rapids area since 2010. They offer flat rate pricing, same or next-day service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for emergency plumbing repair in Alto, MI.
