Ugh, a leaking faucet is annoying and time consuming to repair. For your convenience, we wish to share with you how to stop a faucet leak from happening. Knowing the ways to prevent a leaky faucet will save you time and frustration.
In the event that you have an emergency, know that Blue Mills Plumbing has fixed many leaky faucets throughout Jackson County. Our helpful plumbers have the expertise and experience necessary for proper
faucet leak repair that is also affordable.
Knowing Your Way Around a Faucet
Knowing the components of a faucet will help you pinpoint what is causing a leaking faucet. The following internal parts of a faucet
could be the culprit of a faucet leak:
- A ball valve
- Aerator screws
- Cartridge Valve,
- O-Ring,
- Small Springs
- Valve Seat
- Washers
The ball valve controls water temperature. Aerator screws are screens at the end of a faucet designed to control the amount of water that comes out. The plastic cartridge valve controls water flow internally. O-rings will seal the parts of the faucet that transitions to another part. Small springs work in conjunction with the seals. The washer responsible for opening and closing to allow water through is located directly above the valve seat. Rubber washers are used to completely seal out water to prevent a faucet leak. Problems with any of the above components will cause a leaking faucet.
Causes of Faucet Leakage
The need for faucet leak repair could be due to internal corrosion, mineral build-ups or failed parts.
Internal Corrosion
Internal corrosion will cause cracks that allow water to seep through. Corrosion will also compromise the sealants around the faucet to breakdown leading to faucet leaks.
For do-it-yourself faucet leak repair
remove corrosion with a soft cloth and gentle cleanser. To remove stubborn corrosion you may need to use a specially designed product that will remove extensive corrosion from metal. If the base of the faucet is leaking corrosion has likely compromised the O-ring. When the ball valve has corrosion, faucet leaks tend to form around the spout. It’s prudent to check your faucets for cracks early on, so that they can be
repaired before further damage happens.
Mineral Build-Up
If you notice a reduced flow of water from your faucet, you may be dealing with a mineral build-up. We have lots of lime in our water here in Jackson County that can cause faucet leaking. Lime and other minerals building up inside your faucets will increase water pressure that puts extra stress on the seals and joints of your faucets. Gently remove mineral deposits with a soft brush and cleaning solutions. Mineral cleaning solutions can harm the finish on your faucet, to be sure to promptly rinse it off.
Failed Parts
Are you having a harder time completely turning off the water flow as you turn the faucet handles? Normal wear and tear can cause cartridge valves to fail. If the cartridge valves fail, you’ll end up having to press harder and harder on the handles to shut off a faucet leak. Over time, Cartridge valves should be replaced for effective faucet leak repair.
Ways to Prevent a Leaking Faucet
There are indeed ways to prevent a leaking faucet. Maintaining optimal water pressure, keeping the water quality free of extra minerals, and making sure the faucets are kept dry, are all preventative measures for avoiding faucet leak repairs.
Check Your Water Pressure
When the
water pressure coming into your home is too high, it could stress the plumbing fixtures in your home. The tell-tale signs of excessive water pressure are unusual noises coming from the supply pipes and leaky plumbing fixtures. This is one instance where you should use a professional to evaluate the water pressure coming to your house and, if need be, have a pressure-reducing valve installed to enhance the performance of your plumbing system.
Evaluate Water Hardness
Hard water contributes to several plumbing issues including leaking faucets; so evaluate the hardness of your water with a simple testing kit you can find at most hardware stores. If your water is found to be too hard, you can install a water softener that removes minerals that lead to hard water.
Keep Your Faucet Dry
A simple, yet effective way to prevent the base of a faucet from leaking is to keep the area dry. Corrosion can happen when water remains around the faucets after use. Keeping the area clean and dry after washing your hands or brushing your teeth is not only a house cleaning benefit, it also leads to preventing faucets from leaking.
Stop Water at the Source
If you have a utility sink or faucets that you seldom use, turn the water off at the local shut-off valves until you use that sink again. If you stop water at the source, you’ll prevent the faucet from holding back extra water pressure for long periods of time.
Need Your Leaky Faucet Repaired? Blue Mills Plumbing Has You Covered!
Blue Mills Plumbing is a locally owned full service plumbing company located in Independence, MO. With over 30 years of experience, Blue Mills Plumbing has become the established and highly trusted local plumbing company for all of Eastern Jackson County and the surrounding Kansas City areas.
We have the knowledge and experience to expertly handle all of your leaky faucet repairs. Every customer receives the best repair services with competitive rates.
Keep your faucet in top condition and steer clear of unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs by scheduling commercial services for your business
today!
