Did you know that if you have a minor leak in your faucet, you waste hundreds of dollars worth of water?
To help you save water and many others, we will discuss the most common causes of a leaking faucet and how you can fix them.
What Causes a Leaking Faucet?
Before a leaking faucet repair, you need to determine the root cause of the problem. Here are the five most common reasons why you have a leaking faucet:
Water Pressure
If you notice that water drips during certain times only, then you may have a problem with your home’s water pressure.
O-Ring is Malfunctioning
O-rings are small discs used to hold the faucet’s handle in place. Over time, O-rings get loose or worn out. If one or both handles are leaking, then this might be the problem.
Damaged Cartridge
A cartridge-style faucet has two handles—one for cold water and the other is for hot water. Water dripping in your faucet is a sign of a damaged cartridge.
Broken Washers
Over time, washers can wear out because of friction. Another thing, if your washers are the wrong size, this can cause leaking.
Valve Seat is Damaged
If you notice water leaking from the sprout, then it might be a damaged valve seat.
How to Fix It
Keep in mind that the process of fixing a leaking faucet depends on what type of sink and spout you have. But, below are the basic steps on how to stop a leaking faucet.
Turn off Water Source
The first step in attempting to fix a leaking faucet is to turn off the water. Skipping this step will lead to flooding your kitchen or bathroom.
To turn off the water, look for the valves under the sink and turn the handles clockwise. If you don’t have a valve under the sink, turn off the main supply of water. Once the water supply is turned off, make sure to turn the faucet on to drain the remaining water and release pressure.
Disassemble the Parts
Depending on which kind of sink you have, you may need to detach the faucet body to determine the problem or just remove the faucet handles. For standard fixtures, use a flathead screwdriver to disassemble the faucet handles.
When disassembling the faucet, take note of the order and orientation as you remove them. This will make it easier to reassemble.
Inspect the Parts
More often than not, the O-rings, seals, and rubber washers are the culprits of a leaking faucet. Inspect each part for wear and tear or any damaged part.
Consider Replacing Damaged
If you notice that some parts are severely damaged or worn out, consider replacing them. When buying new parts, bring the old ones to your local hardware store to find the exact parts that you need.
Conclusion
Minor issues in a leaking faucet is a quick and easy fix. However, there may be times when it’s impossible to repair your leaking faucet. If you’re having trouble determining the cause of the leak, it’s best to consult a professional.
Here at Townsville Handyman, we are able to determine the problem quickly. If you’re looking for a Townsville handyman installation, look no further as we offer high-quality plumbing services in town.