A Dripping Faucet is Unromantic and Costly
Once a homeowner notices a leaking faucet dripping water into the sink, it becomes tough to ignore. Not only is it annoying, but it can also distract from more important things, like Valentine’s evening with a loved one. There are also hazards that come with a leaky faucet beyond frustration. This article will share the dangers of a leaky faucet, common causes, and information to help fix it.
A Leaky Faucet is About More Than Just an Annoying Drip
No matter how small or infrequent the drip, if a faucet is leaking, it is wasting water and money. Water is a finite resource, and though the water cycle is still around and communities work to keep their water clean, it is becoming more and more difficult to access fresh water. This means the cost of water may soon go up.
Homeowners pay for the water used in their homes, and a leak wastes money. The constant dampness in the sink can also lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi. These can be ugly, but they also can affect the health of the household’s residents.
Reasons Behind Faucet Leaks
Because faucets have several parts not visible when the whole thing is installed, quite a few things can go wrong and cause a leak. The two main components most likely to be involved in a leak are the O-ring and the faucet cartridge. Some of the ways leaks occur include:
- Corrosion: Corrosive chemicals and minerals present in most water systems can corrode pieces of the faucet that have been there for a while.
- Loose or worn out O-ring: If the O-ring has been stretched or its elasticity is gone, it may be loose and, therefore, not create the seal needed to close the sink valve fully.
- Broken O-ring: If the O-ring gets damaged in some way, this can also break the seal.
- Unseated Faucet Cartridge: If the cartridge is not sitting in the proper position, it can cause leaks.
Fix a Leaky Faucet in 8 Easy Steps
It is always best to have a qualified plumber work on a home’s fixtures to prevent the risk of mistakes in leaky faucet repair or a misdiagnosis by the homeowner. However, replacing a faucet cartridge can be a fairly simple process. The problem with this is that if a homeowner doesn’t find the exact cartridge for their sink, they will not be able to fix it. These devices are rarely interchangeable. If a homeowner does happen to find the correct cartridge, then they can try to replace it in eight steps.
- Turn off the water to the faucet
- Remove the decorative cover from the faucet handles (if applicable)
- Unscrew the handle(s) that need a new cartridge
- Remove the old cartridge, spring, and O-ring
- Replace the spring and O-ring
- Replace the cartridge
- Replace the handle
- Turn the water back on
About JD Precision Plumbing Services
JD Precision Plumbing Services is a family-owned and operated company serving Spring, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer emergency service, upfront pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for a sink, faucet, or garbage disposal repair in Spring, TX.
