Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Overlook Leaky Faucets: The Risk of Doing Nothing
Considering your busy routine, it’s exhausting to notice a leaky kitchen or bathroom faucet to dismiss this problem as a minor annoyance, but leaky faucets can cause extensive problems if not taken care of soon. We’ll share what makes a faucet leak, why it’s important to fix them, and how hiring a plumber can help you save time, money and anxiety.
Why Get Help from Expert Plumbers?
Hiring an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Professional plumbers have the equipment and knowledge needed to uncover and fix the problem.
1. Expert Advice
Professional plumbers can give useful advice and recommendations on how to prevent issues with leaks and maintain your plumbing system so it stays in excellent condition.
2. Cost-Effective Solution
While a dripping faucet might appear closer to a minor hassle, neglecting it for too long could cause steeper monthly bills in the future, including bigger water bills and in severe cases, structural damage. Getting a plumber for quick repairs is an economical option.
3. Total Comfort and Peace of Mind
With a professional fixing the leak, you can trust that the work is done to higher standards, preventing future leaks and delivering peace of mind.
What Can Cause a Leak in Your Faucets
You rely on your plumbing fixtures to function as designed, but a faucet leak can still show up for a few different reasons. Here are the main culprits.
- Cracked Gasket
The gasket provides another watertight seal between the faucet and the surrounding sink or countertop. A cracked gasket is the most common root cause if the base of your faucet leaks. After a long time, gaskets can split or become misshapen, affecting their ability to seal properly. Just like O-rings, gaskets are fairly inexpensive and simple to replace, but getting the right replacement gasket is the first step.
- Cracked Gasket
- Worn-Out O-Ring
The O-ring is a tiny ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps create a watertight seal for the faucet. O-rings are worn and thinned down over time, causing water to leak close to the faucet handle. They’re generally made of resilient rubber, but even the best materials deteriorate with such heavy use and water exposure. Removing and replacing an old O-ring is an easy fix, but it is best when you have the right measurements and kind of faucet.
- Worn-Out O-Ring
- Corroded Valve Seat
A faucet’s valve seat links the faucet itself to the spout and is responsible for the water flowing through. Corrosion or other deterioration of the valve seat may cause the spout to drip. Clogs and mineral deposits from water with high mineral content is the primary cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Frequent cleaning helps with limiting buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat may need to be replaced.
- Corroded Valve Seat
- A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose
An old or poorly installed washer can be something else that will often cause leaks. Washers usually wear out more quickly than other components because of the constant pressure exerted on them, so they often end up needing more frequent attention.
- A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose
Other Issues Related to a Leak in Your Faucet
Ignoring a faucet leak exposes you to a number of other plumbing issues than you may think. Here are the possible consequences of inaction:
- Annoying Drip Noises: The continuous drip, drip, drip of a faucet leak can be extremely frustrating, especially in quiet rooms or when you’re going to sleep. The ongoing noise, even when it’s something as minor as a dripping faucet, will still lead to extra stress.
- Reduced Water Pressure from the Faucet: A faucet leak can lead to a decline in water pressure, making it hard to operate other plumbing parts. Poor water pressure can also make it harder to use appliances that rely on sufficient water pressure.
- Higher Risk of Pest Issues: Even seemingly limited amounts of water attract bugs searching for food, water or shelter. A leaky faucet can lead to a better environment for bugs and mice, especially in moist areas such as under the sink. If severe, these pest issues will require pricey removal and control services.
- Wasting Water and Higher Bills: A faucet leak is wasting more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip every second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, or enough to take about 180 showers. This much waste is bad for the ecosystem and raises your monthly water bill.
Arrange Dripping Faucet Repair Now
If you have seen any of the likely signs of a dripping faucet, don’t delay—reach out to Ken Griffin Plumbing Services for trustworthy leaky faucet repair. We provide fast, long-lasting repairs to all your plumbing issues. Contact us today for professional support.