What Could Be Less Romantic than the Constant Drip of a Leaky Faucet?
Every couple likes to celebrate Valentine’s Day in their way. For some, it’s a lavish date night at a fancy restaurant. For others, it’s a quiet night in and a candle-lit dinner. But for just about any couple, it’s probably safe to say that the evening’s festivities don’t include the constant dripping of a leaky faucet.
For that matter, a leaky sink (or any plumbing problem) is just about the last thing anyone wants to deal with on their romantic night (or any night, for that matter). So this article will outline why even a slow drip can be a big problem, what might be causing it, and most importantly, what to do about it.
Dangers of a Leaking Faucet
Apart from being an annoying and unwelcome distraction, a dripping tap can also be problematic in other ways. Although a single drop of water isn’t much in the scheme of things, all those drops can add up over time. The EPA estimates that a faucet leaking at a rate of one drip per second can waste around 3,000 gallons annually.
That kind of water waste is bad enough on its own, but it’s made even worse by the fact that the homeowners are the ones paying for it with inflated utility costs. Leaky faucets can also lead to mold growth in and around drains by creating a moist environment that is never allowed to get dry. This can contribute to unpleasant odors and even bring down the home’s indoor air quality, thanks to the presence of harmful mold spores.
What Causes a Faucet To Leak?
Many things can cause a faucet to leak, from damaged parts to corrosion to water pressure issues. Worn-out or damaged rubber O-rings in the faucet assembly are common culprits, but this typically causes water to leak from around the base of the faucet or its handles rather than the spout.
In most cases, if the faucet drips from the spout when the water is turned off, the issue is likely with the valve seat, washer, or the cartridge itself. These components can become worn out over time from regular use or become corroded and damaged by mineral deposits. Corrosion is especially common in areas with hard water. In some cases, the home’s water pressure may simply be too high for the faucet to handle, resulting in a slow leak.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
Next, it’s a good idea to put a drain plug or towel over the drain to avoid losing any small parts. Then it’s time to access the internal valve components by removing the handle/knob. On a two-handle faucet, both handles will need to be removed. Depending on the model, this can be done using an Allen wrench or screwdriver. In some cases, the screw is covered by a small-cap, which can typically be removed easily using a flat head screwdriver.
Once each handle has been removed and set aside, one can remove the valve stem or cartridge. A damaged O-ring or corroded washer should be easy to spot, but it’s not always easy to tell when the cartridge itself is damaged. It’s generally a good idea to bring the parts to a local hardware store and ask for assistance in identifying the problem and getting the correct replacement parts.
It’s important to note that the above is a general guide, and the exact steps will vary depending on the type and model of the faucet. If in doubt, or if replacing the valve assembly fails to solve the leak, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional plumber to identify the root of the issue.
About Befort Plumbing & Heating
A family-owned and operated local business, Befort Plumbing & Heating has been serving the Aurora community with pride since 1957. They offer same-day service, up-front pricing, and guarantee 100% satisfaction on every job. Their friendly experts are standing by 24/7 for emergency service, so don’t hesitate to call Befort for sink repair in Aurora, CO!
