Drip, drip, drip. The sound of a leaky faucet is unarguably one of the most annoying sounds known to mankind. Tiny drops of water steadily hitting a sink or shower can keep you up at night and waste a surprisingly large amount of water. But, what exactly causes a leaky faucet? We have answers.
In the vast majority of leaky faucets, the cause is simply wear and tear on your faucet. Continuously turning it on and off can cause faucet washers and stems to wear out. It can be a problem with an O ring which is an integral point wherein dripping can occur or a corroded valve seat which serves as the connection between the faucet and the spout. Over time, an accumulation of water sediments can cause the valve seat to corrode and leak. Worn out or improperly installed washers, loose parts and worn out seals can also be the culprit. In rare cases, a leak can be caused by a broken pipe or fitting. Regardless of the cause, a leaky faucet is undoubtedly irritating. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to repair. In nearly every case, a skilled plumber can replace worn out parts without requiring you to invest in a new sink or faucet.
The Water Adds Up
Not only is a leaky faucet incredibly annoying, it can cost you big on your water bill. Even a small drip can add up to gallons of water wasted each day. Here in the Phoenix area where water is hard, a steady drip can also damage your faucet and sink. So, even if you aren’t bothered by the relentless noise of a drip, there are plenty of other reasons to get it fixed promptly.
Be Proactive with Plumbing Problems
Like with many household issues, dripping faucets and other plumbing problems should be fixed as quickly as possible to avoid water waste and to protect fixtures. Taking a wait and see approach will likely lead to a higher water bill and the potential for having to replace fixtures instead of just a minor part. Leaky faucets do not repair themselves!
Understanding why a faucet is leaky is necessary for fixing it effectively. This is why it’s important to call a qualified plumber who has the expertise to identify a problem and make the necessary repairs. In other words, call Cool Blew if and when you are dealing with a leaky faucet.
