Ignoring Leaking Faucets Can Cause Costly Problems

With your packed day to day, it’s frustrating to find a leaky It’s tempting to overlook this kind of thing as a small concern, but even minor leaks can cause extensive problems if left unaddressed quickly. We’ll share what causes faucet leaks, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how calling a plumber can save you money, time and worry.

Causes of a Faucet Leak

You rely on your plumbing fixtures to function as intended, but a faucet leak can still pop up for several reasons. Here are the main culprits.

1. Damaged O-Ring

The O-ring is a little rubber seal that helps create a waterproof seal close to the handle of the faucet. O-rings break down over time, causing water to leak close to the faucet handle. They’re usually made with durable rubber, but even the best materials will still wear down with such heavy use and water exposure. Replacing a worn-out O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it needs the correct measurements and model for your faucet.

2. Cracked Gasket

The gasket forms another barrier between the faucet and the sink. A damaged gasket is the most common root cause if the base of your faucet starts to leak. After a long time, gaskets can crack or become misshapen, weakening the entire seal. Similar to O-rings, gaskets are comparatively inexpensive and simple to replace, but getting the right replacement gasket is crucial.

3. A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose

A worn-out or incorrectly installed washer can regularly cause leaks. Washers tend to need replacing sooner than other components due to the heavy pressure they endure, so they often need more frequent attention.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A faucet’s valve seat connects the faucet itself to the spout and is responsible for the flow of water. Corrosion or other deterioration of the valve seat may cause the spout to drip. Clogs and mineral deposits from water with high mineral content is the primary cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. A regular cleaning schedule can help a bit with preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is widespread, the valve seat will have to be replaced.

Other Issues Caused by Leaking Faucets

Ignoring a dripping faucet puts you at risk for other and potentially bigger problems than you might think. Here are the potential consequences of inaction:

Irritating Dripping Sounds

The constant drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be extremely irritating, especially in quiet rooms or when you’re attempting to sleep. The persistent noise, even of something as seemingly insignificant as a dripping faucet, can still cause extra stress.

Wasted Water and Higher Bills

A leaky faucet wastes more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip every second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water annually, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This “minor” leak hurts the environment and raises your monthly water bill.

Possible Pest Infestations

Even tiny amounts of water lure insects seeking food, water or just a place to hide. A leaky faucet can create a hotbed for insects and mice, especially in damp areas such as under the sink. If ignored for too long pest issues will require pricey removal and control services.

Water Damage

A dripping faucet can slowly but surely cause more structural damage over time, especially if the leak is in an area where water can pool. Over time, this leak can warp wood, foster mold growth and even reach your home’s foundation, leading to expensive restorations.

Reduced Pressure of Water

A dripping faucet can lead to a decrease in water pressure, making it hard to run other plumbing parts. Poor water pressure can also make it harder to wash dishes and run appliances that rely on sufficient water pressure.

Why Get Help from Expert Plumbers?

Hiring an Expert for plumbing services can help you save from wasting time and money. Professional plumbers possess the tools and knowledge necessary to find the root cause and repair the problem.

Reassurance and Total Peace of Mind

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

Affordable Solution

While a dripping faucet might appear like a small annoyance, ignoring it for too long could result in bigger costs down the line, including a spike in your water bills and potentially even property damage. Hiring a plumber for a quick resolution is a cost-effective choice.

Expert Advice

Experienced plumbers can offer Expert advice on practices to prevent issues with leaks and maintain your plumbing fixtures so they stay in top shape.

Arrange Leaky Faucet Repair Today

If you spy any of the telltale signs of a leaky faucet, don’t delay—reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for reliable leaky faucet repair. We provide speedy, longer-lasting repairs to all your plumbing issues. Contact us today for Expert local help.