Not Addressing Leaking Faucets May Lead to Costly Problems

With your hectic day to day, it’s irritating to find a leaky It’s tempting to dismiss this kind of thing as a trivial annoyance, but leaky faucets can cause extensive damage if not addressed soon. Find out what makes a faucet leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how getting a professional plumber can help you save time, money and worry.

Reasons Behind a Leak in Your Faucets

You rely on your plumbing to work as expected, but a dripping faucet can still show up for several reasons. Here are the most common sources of leaks.

1. Damage to the O-Ring

The O-ring is a little ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps provide a leak-proof seal in the faucet. O-rings are worn and thinned down over time, eventually leaking water along the faucet handle. They’re typically made of strong rubber, but even the highest-quality materials will still wear down with constant use and water exposure. Replacing an old O-ring is an easy fix, but it requires the right measurements and model for your faucet.

2. Cracked Gasket

The gasket creates another watertight seal between the faucet and the surrounding sink or countertop. A broken gasket is the likely culprit if the base of your faucet starts to leak. With enough time, gaskets can break or become warped, impacting their ability to seal properly. Just like O-rings, gaskets are fairly cheap and easy to replace, but finding the proper fit is important.

3. Poorly Installed Washer

An old or incorrectly installed washer can routinely lead to leaks. Washers typically wear out sooner than other parts because of the heavy pressure placed on them, so they often require more consistent attention.

4. A Rusty Valve Seat

A component known as the valve seat links the faucet itself to the spout and is responsible for the water flow. Corrosion or similar damage to the valve seat can cause the spout to start leaking. Clogs and mineral deposits from hard water is the most common cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Frequent cleaning can help a bit with clearing the buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat will require replacement.

Other Possible Complications Caused by Leaky Faucets

Neglecting a leaky faucet makes you vulnerable to more problems with the plumbing than you might expect. Here are the potential consequences of trying to put it off:

Irritating Dripping Sounds

The persistent drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be incredibly irritating, especially in quiet settings or when you’re trying to sleep. The persistent noise, even when it’s something as minor as a dripping faucet, will still cause extra stress.

Wasted Water and Higher Bills

A dripping faucet squanders more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip each second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water annually, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This “minor” leak negatively impacts the environment and raises your monthly water bill.

Higher Risk of Pest Issues

Even small amounts of water bring in bugs looking for food, water or just a place to hide. A faucet leak can create a better environment for roaches and rats, especially in damp areas such as under the sink. If severe, these pest issues will require expensive extermination services.

Structural Damage

A faucet leak can slowly but surely contribute to water damage over time, especially if the leak is in a spot where water can accumulate. With enough time, this standing water can warp wood, encourage mold growth and even start to weaken your home’s foundation, resulting in extensive AND expensive renovations.

Decreased Flow Pressure

A dripping faucet can result in a decrease in water pressure, making it hard to operate other plumbing fixtures. Decreased water pressure can also make it harder to wash dishes and run appliances that rely on adequate water pressure.

Why Hire Expert, Local Plumbers?

Getting an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Professional plumbers possess the tools and expertise required to properly diagnose and fix the leak entirely.

Total Comfort and Peace of Mind

With a plumber taking care of the problem, you’ll know that the solution lasts, stopping future leaks and delivering peace of mind.

Budget-Friendly Solution

While a leaky faucet might seem closer to a small annoyance, not addressing it for too long can lead to larger costs in the future, including higher water bills and even foundation damage. Hiring a plumber for a quick resolution is an affordable investment.

Expert Insight

Plumbers can offer Expert advice on practices to prevent future problems and protect your plumbing pipes so they stay in excellent condition.

Request Your Leaky Faucet Repair Today

If you spy any of the telltale signs of a faucet leak, don’t put it off—reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for dependable leaky faucet repair. We provide quick, longer-lasting solutions to all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today for skilled assistance.