Given your hectic schedule, it’s exhausting to find a dripping It’s tempting to overlook this kind of thing as a trivial annoyance, but faucet leaks can lead to widespread problems if left unaddressed promptly. We’ll share what makes a faucet leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how getting a professional plumber can save you time, money and anxiety.
Why Call a Local Plumber?
Getting an Expert for plumbing services can help you save from wasting time and money. Professional plumbers possess the tools and expertise necessary to uncover and resolve the leak entirely.
1. Professional Advice
Experienced plumbers can provide Expert advice and recommendations on how to prevent issues with leaks and preserve your plumbing system so it stays in good working order.
2. Affordable Solution
While a dripping faucet might seem closer to a minor annoyance, ignoring it for too long can cause steeper costs down the line, including a spike in your water bills and in severe cases, foundation damage. Calling a plumber for a quick resolution is an economical decision.
3. Peace of Mind
With a plumber fixing the leak, you’ll know that the job is done right, preventing future leaks and replacing them with peace of mind.
What Can Cause a Leaky Faucet
You rely on your plumbing to work as designed, but a leaky faucet can still show up for several reasons. Here are the main culprits.
- Broken Gasket
The gasket forms 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 leaks. With enough time, gaskets can crack or become bent out of shape, weakening their ability to seal properly. Like O-rings, gaskets are relatively cheap and easy to replace, but finding the correct replacement gasket is crucial. - Damage to the O-Ring
The O-ring is a tiny rubber seal that helps create a watertight seal close to the handle of the faucet. O-rings are worn and thinned down over time, causing water to leak around the faucet handle. They’re typically made with resilient rubber, but even the finest materials deteriorate with constant use and water exposure. Swapping out an old O-ring is an easy fix, but it is best when you have the right measurements and type of faucet. - A Rusty Valve Seat
A faucet’s valve seat connects the faucet itself to the spout and controls the water flowing through. Rust or other deterioration of the valve seat will sometimes cause the spout to start leaking. Clogs and mineral deposits from water with high mineral content is the most common cause of a rusted or leaking seal valve. A regular cleaning schedule helps with limiting buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat will require replacement. - A Washer Was Installed Poorly
A damaged or improperly installed washer can be something else that will often cause leaks. Washers typically need replacing faster than other components due to the continuous pressure placed on them, so they often need more consistent attention.
Problems Associated with a Leak in Your Faucet
Neglecting a leaky faucet makes you vulnerable to other and potentially bigger problems than you might realize. Here are the possible complications of trying to put it off:
- Annoying Drip Sounds: The persistent drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be highly annoying, especially in quiet spaces or when you’re trying to sleep. The persistent noise, even of something as seemingly insignificant as a dripping faucet, can still lead to extra stress.
- Weaker Water Pressure from the Faucet: A dripping faucet can result in a decline in water pressure, making it difficult to run other plumbing features. Poor water pressure can also make it harder to shower and run appliances that depend on adequate water pressure.
- Possible Pest Issues: Even small amounts of water bring in bugs seeking food, water or just a place to hide. A dripping faucet can lead to a hotbed for insects and mice, particularly in dark areas such as under the sink. If ignored for too long pest issues will require expensive extermination services.
- Wasted Water and Money: A leaky faucet squanders more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip each second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water annually, or enough to take about 180 showers. This much waste hurts the ecosystem and raises your water bills.
Request Your Faucet Leak Repair Today
If you have seen any of the telltale signs of a dripping faucet, don’t wait—contact McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling for dependable leaky faucet repair. We deliver quick, longer-lasting repairs to all your plumbing issues. Contact us today for Expert local assistance.
