Not Addressing a Leaky Faucet Can Cause More Trouble

With your packed routine, it’s irritating to find a leaky kitchen or bathroom faucet to ignore this issue as a small annoyance, but even minor leaks can result in more significant problems if not taken care of right away. We’ll share what makes a faucet leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how calling a plumber can save you time, money and worry.

What Can Cause a Faucet Leak

You count on your plumbing to work as intended, but a faucet leak can still happen and cause trouble for a few different reasons. Here are the most common sources of leaks.

1. Damage to the O-Ring

The O-ring is a small ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps form a watertight seal for the faucet. O-rings break down over time, eventually leaking water close to the faucet handle. They’re generally made from durable rubber, but even the finest materials will still wear down with constant use and water exposure. Removing and replacing a worn-out O-ring is a simple fix, but it needs the correct dimensions and kind of faucet.

2. Cracked Gasket

The gasket creates another barrier between the faucet and the sink. A cracked gasket is the most likely reason if the base of your faucet starts to leak. With enough time, gaskets can crack or become misshapen, affecting the seal’s effectiveness. Similar to O-rings, gaskets are comparatively cheap and straightforward to replace, but getting the right size is crucial.

3. A Washer Was Installed Poorly

A worn-out or poorly installed washer can regularly result in leaks. Washers tend to break faster than other pieces because of the heavy pressure they endure, so they often require more regular replacement.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A component known as the valve seat links the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the flow of water. Rust or similar damage to the valve seat can cause the spout to drip. Heavy metal and minerals from hard water is the most common cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Consistent professional cleaning can help a bit with preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is widespread, the valve seat will require replacement.

Other Issues Related to a Leak in Your Faucet

Neglecting a faucet leak makes you vulnerable to other and potentially bigger problems than you might expect. Here are the risks and possible costs of trying to put it off:

Annoying Drip Noises

The constant drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be highly irritating, especially in quiet spaces or when you’re trying to sleep. The constant noise, even if it is something as seemingly insignificant as a dripping faucet, can still result in extra anxiety.

Wasting Water and High Monthly Bills

A faucet leak wastes more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip each second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water per year, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This much waste negatively impacts the environment and raises your water bills.

Potential Pest Infestations

Even small amounts of water attract pests seeking food, water or just a place to hide. A leaky faucet can lead to a better environment for insects and rodents, especially in damp areas like under the sink. If severe, these pest issues will require costly removal and control services.

Property Damage

A faucet leak can slowly contribute to water damage over time, especially if the leak is in an area where water can accumulate. Over time, this standing water can distort wood, encourage mold growth and even start to impact your home’s foundation, leading to expensive restorations.

Weaker Flow Pressure

A dripping faucet can result in a decline in water pressure, making it difficult to run other plumbing features. Decreased water pressure can also make it difficult to use appliances that rely on adequate water pressure.

Why Call a Local Plumber?

Calling an Expert for plumbing services can help you save from wasting time and money. Plumbers possess the tools and experience required to uncover and fix the problem.

Peace of Mind

With a plumber fixing the leak, you can count on the fact that the solution lasts, avoiding future leaks and replacing them with peace of mind.

Budget-Friendly Solution

While a faucet leak might seem like a small hassle, not addressing it for too long will often lead to larger bills down the line, including a spike in your water bills and in severe cases, property damage. Hiring a plumber for a quick resolution is a cost-effective choice.

Professional Advice

Experienced plumbers can give Expert advice on ways to prevent future problems and protect your plumbing fixtures so they stay in good working order.

Request Your Leaky Faucet Repair Today

If you spy any of the likely signs of a leaky faucet, don’t hesitate—call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for reliable leaky faucet repair. We offer fast, longer-lasting solutions to all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for professional assistance.