Here’s Why Your Faucet Is Leaking:
Few things are more annoying than the sound of a leaky faucet. The constant drip-drip noise has the capacity to cause sleepless nights, frustration, and not to mention a higher water bill. If left unrepaired, you could be wasting up to 3,000 gallons of water per year.
The culprit behind your bane of existence could be one of several things. But before you go and attempt to make a repair, make sure to turn your water supply off!
5. The O-Ring
The O-ring is designed to prevent water from spraying every which way when you turn the sink on. It looks just as it is spelled: in the shape of the letter “O.” The O ring can become loose or damaged with age, causing water to drip near the handle.
There is no one size fits for O-rings, so you’ll need to take your old O-ring to your local hardware store to find a match. It’s important that you find the exact fit for your O-ring! It’s also possible to purchase a package that includes a variety of sizes, just in case.
4. Corroded Valve Seat
If you’ve still got a leaky faucet on your hands, the problem could be with the valve seat. You may have a defective washer, which would have allowed the metal stem to grind against the seat, virtually leaving it uneven. Another possibility is that there was a chemical buildup in the water that left a residue, preventing the washer from properly fitting against the valve seat.
You can repair your leaky faucet by replacing the seat. To remove your current seat, you’ll need a seat wrench. Simply turn the wrench clockwise and remove it with ease. When you purchase a replacement seat, make sure to purchase a duplicate of the one you currently have! You don’t want to attempt a repair only to find that it doesn’t fit quite right.
3. Damaged Washer
This is perhaps the most common cause of a leaky faucet. With regular use, it’s only a matter of time before the constant friction leads to washer failure. If you have a worn-out washer, you may notice dripping around the spout. When replacing the washer, just like the other parts, make sure you have the exact fit.
Put everything back in order of:
- Washer/O-ring
- Stem
- Packing nut
- Screw
- Handle
4. Loose Parts
When your faucet is used on a regular basis, it’s possible for parts to become loose, which may explain your leaky faucet. If there is leakage coming from the handle, you can either tighten the packing nut or replace it.
Need Professional Help?
If at any point you feel that you need professional help, and so happen to live within Orange County, our nearby plumbing company can help in repairing your leaky faucet. Don’t hesitate to give the professionals at Moffett Plumbing & Air a call. We’d be more than happy to assist you in ridding your home of pesky leaks!