Not Fixing Leaking Faucets Can Result in Costly Problems

Given your busy schedule, it’s irritating to find a leaky Some homeowners choose to dismiss this issue as a minor annoyance, but dripping faucets can cause extensive damage if not taken care of right away. Find out what makes a faucet leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how getting a professional plumber can save you time, money and stress.

Causes of a Faucet Leak

You count on your plumbing to work as intended, but a leaky faucet can still pop up and cause trouble for a few different reasons. Here are the main culprits.

1. Worn-Out O-Ring

The O-ring is a little rubber seal that helps form a waterproof seal for the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, eventually leaking water around the faucet handle. They’re typically made of durable rubber, but even the highest-quality materials break down with constant use and water exposure. Swapping out an old O-ring is a simple fix, but it needs the precise measurements and type of faucet.

2. Cracked Gasket

The gasket provides another watertight seal between the faucet and the countertop. A broken gasket is the most common root cause if the base of your faucet leaks. After a long time, gaskets can break or become warped, weakening their ability to seal properly. Similar to O-rings, gaskets are comparatively cheap and simple to replace, but getting the correct replacement gasket is crucial.

3. A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose

A damaged or incorrectly installed washer can routinely lead to leaks. Washers usually break down sooner than other pieces because of the constant pressure placed on them, so they often need more regular replacement.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A faucet’s valve seat is what links the faucet itself to the spout and controls the flow of water. Rust or similar damage to the valve seat will sometimes cause the spout to drip. Heavy metal and minerals from water with high mineral content is the most common cause of a rusted or leaking seal valve. Frequent cleaning is helpful for limiting buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat may have to be replaced.

Problems Related to Leaking Faucets

Overlooking a faucet leak makes you vulnerable to a number of other plumbing issues than you may think. Here are the risks and possible complications of doing nothing:

Irritating Drip Noises

The nonstop drip, drip, drip of a dripping faucet can be highly annoying, especially in quiet settings or when you’re trying to sleep. The persistent noise, even if it is something as small as a dripping faucet, can still result in extra stress.

Wasted Water and Money

A leaky faucet squanders more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water annually, or enough to take about 180 showers. This “minor” leak hurts the ecosystem and raises your monthly water bill.

Higher Risk of Pest Issues

Even tiny amounts of water lure pests searching for food, water or just a place to hide. A faucet leak can encourage a better environment for insects and rodents, especially in damp areas including under the sink. If ignored for too long pest issues will require costly extermination and prevention treatment services.

Structural Damage

A leaky faucet can gradually cause more structural damage over time, particularly if the leak is in a spot where water can build up. With enough time, this standing water can distort wood, foster mold growth and even start to weaken your home’s foundation, leading to expensive renovations.

Decreased Water Pressure

A leaky faucet can cause a decrease in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to use other plumbing fixtures. Decreased water pressure can also make it challenging to shower and run appliances that rely on proper water pressure.

Why Hire Expert, Local Plumbers?

Getting an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Professional plumbers have the equipment and knowledge necessary to uncover and fix the problem.

Reassurance and Total Peace of Mind

With a professional taking care of the problem, you can count on the fact that the job is done right, avoiding future leaks and delivering peace of mind.

Affordable Solution

While a faucet leak might feel like a minor headache, not addressing it for too long will often result in bigger costs in the future, including higher water bills and in severe cases, property damage. Getting a plumber for a quick resolution is an affordable investment.

Expert Insight

Plumbers can offer Expert advice on ways to prevent future problems and maintain your plumbing system so it stays in excellent condition.

Schedule Faucet Leak Repair Now

If you have seen any of the telltale signs of a leaky faucet, don’t wait—contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for dependable leaky faucet repair. We deliver speedy, long-lasting solutions to all your plumbing issues. Contact us today for skilled help.