Reasons Not to Ignore Faucet Leaks: The Price of Doing Nothing
Considering your busy day to day, it’s irritating to discover a leaking kitchen or bathroom faucet to overlook this issue as a trivial annoyance, but dripping faucets can lead to extensive damage if left unaddressed quickly. Find out what causes a faucet to leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how hiring a plumber can save you time, money and stress.
Why Call a Local Plumber?
Getting an Expert for plumbing services can save you from wasting time and money. Experienced plumbers have the equipment and experience necessary to properly diagnose and fix the leak entirely.
1. Expert Insight
Plumbers can offer Expert advice and recommendations on how to prevent issues with leaks and maintain your plumbing fixtures so they stay in good working order.
2. Cost-Effective Solution
While a dripping faucet might feel like a minor problem, neglecting it for too long could lead to bigger monthly bills down the line, including higher water bills and potentially even structural damage. Hiring a plumber for prompt repairs is an economical choice.
3. Reassurance and Total Peace of Mind
With a plumber taking care of the problem, you’ll know that the work is done to higher standards, preventing future leaks and replacing them with peace of mind.
Reasons Behind a Leaky Faucet
You count on your plumbing to function as designed, but a faucet leak can still happen for several reasons. Here are the most common root causes.
- Damaged Gasket
The gasket provides another seal between the faucet and the countertop. A damaged gasket is the most likely reason if the bottom of your faucet starts to leak. After a long time, gaskets can break or become warped, impacting the seal’s effectiveness. Just like O-rings, gaskets are comparatively low cost and simple to replace, but choosing the correct replacement gasket is crucial.
- Damaged Gasket
- Worn-Out O-Ring
The O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps create a leak-proof seal for the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, allowing water to leak close to the faucet handle. They’re usually made from strong rubber, but even the best materials deteriorate with such heavy use and water exposure. Removing and replacing a worn-out O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it needs the right dimensions and type of faucet.
- Worn-Out O-Ring
- Corroded Valve Seat
A faucet’s valve seat is what links the faucet itself to the spout and is responsible for the flow of water. Rust or other deterioration of the valve seat will sometimes cause the spout to start leaking. Heavy metal and minerals from hard water the biggest cause of a rusted or leaking seal valve. A regular cleaning schedule can help a bit with preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat may have to be replaced.
- Corroded Valve Seat
- A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose
An old or incorrectly installed washer can regularly cause leaks. Washers usually wear out more quickly than other pieces due to the continuous pressure they endure, so they often need more frequent attention.
- A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose
Other Issues Caused by a Leak in Your Faucet
Neglecting a faucet leak puts you at risk for a number of other plumbing issues than you may expect. Here are the potential consequences of doing nothing:
- Irritating Dripping Sounds: The persistent drip, drip, drip of a faucet leak can be extremely frustrating, especially in quiet rooms or when you’re trying to sleep. The constant noise, even if it is something as seemingly insignificant as a dripping faucet, will still result in extra stress.
- Weaker Water Pressure: A faucet leak can cause a decrease in water pressure, making it difficult to run other plumbing parts. Poor water pressure can also make it difficult to wash dishes and run applicances that rely on sufficient water pressure.
- Higher Risk of Pest Infestations: Even seemingly limited amounts of water lure insects searching for food, water or just a place to hide. A faucet leak can create a breeding ground for bugs and mice, especially in moist areas including under the sink. If severe, these pest issues will require expensive removal and control services.
- Wasting Water and Money: A faucet leak is wasting more water than you may believe. According to the EPA, one drip every second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This “minor” leak negatively impacts the environment and raises your monthly water bill.
Schedule Dripping Faucet Repair Today
If you have seen any of the telltale signs of a faucet leak, don’t wait—reach out to Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. for reliable leaky faucet repair. We provide fast, longer-lasting repairs to all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for Expert local support.
