A dripping or leaking faucet is more than just an annoyance; it can be a significant problem. It can result in damage requiring a costly repair from a plumbing professional. It will also increase your water bill if you are on a municipal water supply. In this article, we will outline five of the most common reasons a faucet drips or leaks, as well as when to call a professional for assistance.
1. Clogged Aerator or Cracked Cap
At the end of the faucet spout where water is released, there is a cap that holds an aerator in place. The aerator is basically a filter that helps to create a smooth stream of water, conserve energy, and trap sediment. When this small device is clogged or dirty, the water may drip or be forced to spray out from the tiny gap between the cap and faucet end. This might cause the cap to crack if it is plastic.
The cap that holds the aerator in place can be removed so the aerator can be cleaned or replaced. If the cap is cracked, the entire assembly should be replaced. Generally, this is not an expensive component of the faucet.
2. Loose Faucet Handle
Over time, a faucet handle might begin to wobble. When this happens, the handle isn’t able to fully close the valve because it is too loose. An open valve will cause water to flow when you don’t want it to. This flow will generally drip.
In some cases, it is possible to remove the decorative handle cap and tighten the screw under the cap. If this doesn’t fix the problem, consider calling your local plumbing service to replace the handle or the entire faucet setup.
3. Worn Washer
A washer serves the purpose of providing a tight seal when the handle is turned to the off position. This seal prevents water from flowing out of the faucet. A worn-out washer will cause water to drip from the faucet spout.
While this is a fairly easy repair, a professional will have the correct size washer and the tools to remove the handle, packing nut, and stem to access the washer.
4. Deteriorated O-Ring
Just like the handle washers, the faucet spout O-ring can crack or deteriorate over time. This small ring creates a tight seal at the base of the spout to prevent leaks.
After the water is turned off, the faucet spout needs to be removed to access the O-ring. It must be replaced with one that is properly sized to form a good seal. This is best performed by a skilled plumber if you aren’t familiar with faucet components.
5. Corroded Seats and Springs
A single-handle faucet, also referred to as a compression faucet, often works with an internal ball that moves to release or stop the flow of water. This ball sits on seats and springs that allow it to move from the hot to the cold position, as well as to increase or decrease pressure.
The seats are like tiny washers that cover the small springs. Both the seats and the springs are subject to corrosion with daily use of the faucet. These components can often be replaced by your plumber. If there is still dripping water, you are better off having the entire faucet replaced.
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A qualified plumbing repair professional will inspect your faucet to determine the cause of the leak. They can generally make the necessary repairs or replace the faucet entirely. Leaks and drips are not always a DIY job.
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