A leaking faucet can seem like nothing more than an acoustic nuisance, but it can cause big problems if left unaddressed. Besides resulting in high water bills, it can cause water damage and related problems such as mold growth and pest infestation.
As a result, prompt repair of leaking faucets is essential to protecting your home and family.
Several factors can cause your faucets to leak. Here are some common culprits to watch out for.
Faulty Faucet Installation
Faucets require correct installation to function well and prevent leaks. If a faucet is leaking, a forgotten component or faulty assembly may be to blame. You should discover this immediately after you turn on the water.
To fix an improperly installed faucet, you need to disassemble the entire fixture and then put everything, including any forgotten parts, back together in the correct order. If you need assistance with dismantling and reassembling an incorrectly installed faucet, don't hesitate to get professional help.
Loose or Damaged Parts
The faucets in your entire house are in constant use. As a result, they may become loose or damaged over time, leading to leaks.
Worn-out washers are one of the most common causes of faucet leaks. When they wear down due to age, their watertight seal deteriorates too, allowing water to escape. A bad valve seat, O-ring, cartridge, or any other faucet assembly parts can also cause your faucets to leak.
To correct the problem, tighten any loose parts and replace damaged ones.
High Water Pressure
If your residential water pressure is higher than recommended for your water line, your faucets can become damaged and develop leaks due to the excessive force of the water.
Once you've repaired a faucet leak, you need to adjust your water pressure to prevent the problem from recurring.
Over-Tightening A Faucet
Faucets don't need to be super-tight to function properly. They only need to be tightened enough to create a watertight assembly.
Over-tightening a faucet puts too much torque on these components, causing them to wear out quickly or become damaged.
When this happens, water can escape from the faucet even when it is closed.
A leaking faucet is one of those plumbing issues that don't seem serious at first blush. However, it can wreak havoc on your home and make a big dent in your household budget if not addressed on time.
Contact a residential plumbing service today to request a quote for your faucet leak repairs.