When you are a homeowner, you will have to deal with occasional problems around the house. One of the most frustrating might be a leaky faucet. No matter how hard you turn the knob, you cannot turn off the water. It might seem like a minor inconvenience, but a dripping faucet wastes water and can increase your utility bills. Let’s look at the common causes of faucet drips and help you find ways to resolve this annoying problem in your home.
Worn-Out Washers: The Most Common Culprits
If you have a compression faucet, the rubber or silicone washer presses against the valve seat every time the faucet is turned on or off. This washer is responsible for sealing the water flow when the handle is put in the off position.
As the handle is turned, the washer is pressed tightly against the valve seat. This can stop water from passing through. Over time, this constant friction causes the washer to deteriorate. Many times, gaps develop allowing water to leak through, which can cause that familiar dripping sound.
There are a few signs that the washer could be the problem. They include:
- Water drips from the faucet spout, even when the faucet is turned off
- The faucet may be harder to turn off
- Leaks in faucets with separate hot and cold handles
A worn-out washer can be easily fixed. However, you must turn off the water and disassemble the faucet. If you are not handy, you might want to reach out to a professional plumber to take care of this issue.
A worn-out washer might be a common problem, but there are other reasons for a leaky faucet.
Other Causes of a Leaky Faucet
If the washer is not the problem, you’ll need to consider other potential causes. Some internal components can also degrade over time, which can lead to leaks. Other issues that can cause a leaky faucet may include:
Worn-Out O-Ring
The O-ring is another component that can wear out and cause leaks. O-rings are small rubber rings found in cartridges and ball-type faucets. They are located around the base of the spout and help create a seal to prevent water from leaking. This part fits around the stem of the faucet. It creates a waterproof seal between the spout and the rest of the faucet body.
Over time, the rubber O-ring can crack or become loose, causing water to leak from the base of the faucet. There are ways to tell if the O-ring is a problem. If the water leaks from the base or the entire unit feels wobbly or loose, you might have an issue with this component.
Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat is the resting place for the washer in compression faucets. This component creates a seal that stops water flow when the faucet is off. Over time, mineral deposits from water can build up on the valve seat. As a result, the components can erode inside the faucet.
When that happens, water can seep, and you will have a leak. If water leaks around the spout, even when the faucet is not in use, then the valve seat might be the reason for this issue.
Damaged Cartridge
If you have a cartridge faucet, it can become worn out or damaged over time. The component is a cylindrical piece that controls water flow and temperature. If it becomes damaged, then you can end up with a leak. In these cases, you might notice water around the spout. Along with that, you might find that the faucet may have difficulty controlling temperature or the water flow is inconsistent.
Loose or Worn-Out Parts
Sometimes, a leaky faucet is caused by other loose or worn-out parts, such as screws or nuts. These small parts hold the faucet together. However, leaks can occur around the handle or spout if these parts become loose over time. If the faucet feels loose or wobbly, that could be a huge sign that this is the culprit of your problem.
Damaged Faucet Body
A crack or damage to the faucet body can cause leaks, especially in faucets made of lower-quality materials or those that have experienced heavy wear and tear. Damage can occur from impact, corrosion, or manufacturing defects. In these cases, you might have leaks from unexpected areas, such as the faucet base or behind the spout. If there are visible cracks on the faucet body, that could be a red flag the entire body is the cause of your leakage problem.
High Water Pressure
If you have high water pressure, that can put stress on faucet components. In turn, it can lead to leaks over time. Excessive pressure can wear down the internal parts of the faucet, such as washers, O-rings, and cartridges, more quickly than normal.
Additionally, high pressure can cause water to leak around weak seals and joints in the faucet, especially during off-peak water usage times. Any banging or knocking noises in the pipe or forceful water spurts could come from excessive water pressure.
Loose or Worn-Out Packing Nuts
In some faucets, the packing nut secures the stem in place. This nut can become loose or worn out with daily use. Eventually, you might get a leak around the faucet handle. This problem is common in older compression faucets but can occur in other types. Tightening the packing nut can often resolve this issue. However, if the packing nut is worn or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Faulty Gaskets
Gaskets are another important sealing component within faucets. They can prevent leaks between different sections of the faucet. However, gaskets tend to become brittle, worn, or damaged. You will have leaks when that happens, especially with an older faucet.
Mineral Buildup
In areas with hard water, calcium and lime buildup can accumulate around the valve seat, seals, and other components. This can cause the faucet to function improperly and create leaks. Mineral deposits can also corrode metal components and block water flow. You might have to clean the faucet regularly with a vinegar solution or a commercial descaling product to prevent this problem.
Preventing Leaky Faucets
If you want to prevent leaks before they start, regular maintenance might be the key to extending the lifespan of your faucet. A few handy tips for maintaining your faucets include:
- Regularly check for signs of wear on washers, O-rings, and cartridges.
- Clean mineral deposits from valve seats and other parts.
- Replace worn-out parts immediately to prevent small leaks from becoming bigger problems.
Since 1966, J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing has been Jacksonville’s trusted provider of top-quality plumbing and HVAC services. Our dedicated team of plumbers delivers exceptional customer service for your kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures. You can count on J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing for reliable plumbing solutions, whether you have a leaky faucet or another plumbing issue. We can also assist with your heating, cooling, and air quality needs. When you’re ready for an in-home visit for leak repair and detection, reach out to us.
