A leaking, or dripping, faucet may be one of the most
annoying sounds in your house. The good news is that can typically be an easy
fix, hopefully one that can be taken care of before you lose your mind!
A leaking
faucet that is handled as soon as the leak is discovered can be a quick
and easy repair. But if a leak is ignored it could potentially lead to further
plumbing problems, resulting in a more costly repair. Not only is it harmful
for the environment to waste water when you ignore a leaky faucet, it is also
harmful for your wallet in the unused and wasted water you would be paying for.
The internal parts of a faucet can become corroded or
covered with mineral deposits. Faucets contain gaskets, o-rings, and washers
that can become defective and fail, causing a faucet leak.
Most times, a faucet repair is something that most homeowners can handle
themselves. But, if you don’t have the time, knowledge and skills, or the tools
necessary for a faucet repair the experienced local plumbers at Val Gross Blue Mills Plumbing are
quick and courteous and ready to tackle any plumbing issues or leaky faucets you might
have.
First we need to briefly discuss the different types of
faucets:
- A compression faucet
utilizes rubber seals and washers that stop the water flow when the faucet is
tightened when water is turned off.
- A ball
faucet
has a single handle that moves a slotted ball that controls both
water temperature with the combination of hot and cold water and water pressure
by lifting the ball to allow the water to pass through.
- A cartridge faucet
contains a hollow metal cartridge that seals the
faucet when it is off and controls both water flow and temperature.
- A ceramic disc faucet
is the latest in
faucet technology and controls water flow through two fire-hardened ceramic
discs. One disc is stationary and the other moves to allow water flow.
Now that we have a basic understanding of how the different
faucets work, let’s talk about how to fix a leaky faucet!
Worn Out Or Incorrect
Washer
This is one of the most common causes for a leaky faucet. Due to how
common it is, it would be wise to start here when you are looking to repair a leaking faucet. Each time
a compression faucet is used a rubber washer is pushed against the valve seat.
This puts constant pressure and friction on the washer, which causes the washer
to wear out. Replacing this rubber washer with a new one can be a quick and
easy solution to your dripping
faucet.
In addition to a worn out washer, you may find that the
washer has been installed incorrectly or the wrong size or type of washer was
used. Call Val Gross Blue Mills Plumbing today to ensure you have the correct
washer size and that it is installed correctly!
Worn Out O-Ring
A faucet
cartridge contains a screw that holds the handle of the faucet in place.
This is a stem screw and it is made with a small disc attached to it. This
small disc is the o-ring. The o-ring can become loose or wear out simply from
regular usage. When the o-ring is compromised it causes the faucet to leak near
the handle.
Corroded Valve Seat
In compression faucets the valve seat is located between the
faucet and the spout. Water sediments can accumulate and cause corrosion to the
valve seat, which would lead to the sprout area leaking. By cleaning the valve
seat regularly you can remove the water sediments and prevent corrosion.
Tighten Up Your
Faucet Parts
Over time as your faucet is used there are internal faucet parts that could
loosen. The adjusting ring and packing nuts in the stem screw could become
loose. Any loose parts could cause leaking near the handle of the faucet. You
may be able to tighten the packing nut, or it may need to be replaced
completely.
Worn Out Seals
Disc faucets have both inlet and outlet seals. As your
faucet is used day after day, sediment naturally accumulates inside the
assembly, which causes these seals to wear out. By cleaning out the sediments
regularly you can prevent the seals from wearing out. If the seals are worn out
you will have to replace them. Val Gross Blue Mills Plumbing can clean out this
sediment and maybe prevent you from needing to replace the seals on your
faucet.
Broken Plumbing
While it isn’t common, a leaking faucet could be the result of a broken
pipe or fittings. A broken pipe interferes with proper water pressure, which
can lead to a dripping
faucet. If you have tried the above tips and the issue is still
unresolved it is then time to call in the plumbing professionals.
Call Val Gross Blue Mills Plumbing today to schedule a visit
to stop your leaky faucets!
