No sound is more annoying than the sound of a leaky faucet. It can be disturbing as well as distracting. When a faucet starts leaking, it is important to contact a plumber straight away. If a leaky faucet is not repaired in time, then things can worsen, resulting in you paying extra for faucet repair. If you do not want the problem to turn into something more serious over time, then it is better to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Faucets are a vital component in every home, and it is important to make sure they are in good condition and working perfectly. Below, we explain the top reasons why leaky faucets occur and discuss how to deal with each problem.
What Causes a Leaky Faucet?
A leaky faucet is never a fun problem to have. An experienced and professional plumber can help you determine the root cause of your leaky faucet. The most likely explanations for a leaky faucet include:
Corroded Valve Seat:
A corroded valve seat is one of the biggest causes of a leaky faucet. The valve seat is a connection between the faucet and spout. It often gets rusted when water sediments accumulate. If there is leakage around the spout, then chances are it is because of the corroded valve seat. You can avoid this type of leak with regular cleaning.
Failing O-Ring
If you notice leakage around the handle, then it is likely because of a failing O-Ring. This ring is responsible for holding the handle and keeping it in place. It is a small disc, which could become loose over time due to overuse. Replacing the O-Ring generally solves this problem. If you do not replace it and it continues to leak, then corrosion could happen over time.
Damaged Washers:
A damaged washer is another common reason behind a leaky faucet. Washers are the round-shaped component near the valve seat. Due to overuse, the constant friction between the washer and the valve seat can cause a significant amount of wear and tear, resulting in leakage. A damaged washer can also occur because of improper installation of the washer or if the washer’s size does not fit. Either way, you can fix this by replacing the washers.
Loose Parts:
There are many components, such as rings or nuts, which are used in a faucet to ensure smooth water flow. Unfortunately, they can get damaged or loosen over time. If the leakage point is close to the base, then it probably means that something is wrong with the ring or packing nut. If adjusting the ring is the culprit, then you can fix it yourself by removing the handle and tightening it up yourself.
Broken Pipe:
If there is a leak coming from the pipe under the sink, then the reason is pretty obvious. The pipe is broken, and you will have to replace it to fix the problem. You should always contact a plumber for this purpose because doing it yourself is not an easy task.
Leaky faucets are a serious pain in the neck. If you are currently dealing with this problem, then you can always contact a company to take care of everything. You should also have your faucets inspected every year or so to ensure everything is working at its highest capacity.
