Reasons Not to Avoid Fixing Faucet Leaks: The Risk of Doing Nothing

Considering your hectic day to day, it’s irritating to find a leaky Some homeowners choose to overlook this issue as a trivial concern, but faucet leaks can result in widespread damage if left unaddressed promptly. Learn what causes a faucet to leak, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how hiring a plumber can save you time, money and worry.

Why Call a Local Plumber?

Calling an Expert for plumbing services can help you save from wasting time and money. Professional plumbers have the equipment and experience required to uncover and repair the leak entirely.

1. Professional Advice

Professional plumbers can give Expert advice and recommendations on practices to prevent future leaks and maintain your plumbing pipes so they stay in excellent condition.

2. Budget-Friendly Solution

While a leaky faucet might feel more like a trivial hassle, neglecting it for too long could cause bigger monthly bills in the future, including a spike in your water bills and even foundation damage. Hiring a plumber for quick repairs is an affordable investment.

3. Total Comfort and Peace of Mind

With a professional taking care of the problem, you can trust that the solution lasts, avoiding future leaks and instead offering peace of mind.

Causes of a Faucet Leak

You expect your plumbing fixtures to work as expected, but a dripping faucet can still pop up and cause trouble. Here are the main culprits.

1. 1. Damaged Gasket
      The gasket provides another watertight seal between the faucet and the sink. A broken gasket is the likely culprit if the bottom of your faucet leaks. With enough time, gaskets can break or become bent out of shape, impacting the entire seal. Just like O-rings, gaskets are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to replace, but finding the right replacement gasket is essential.

1. 1. Damage to the O-Ring
      The O-ring is a tiny ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps ensure a leak-proof seal in the faucet. O-rings break down over time, eventually leaking water around the faucet handle. They’re usually made with resilient rubber, but even the finest materials deteriorate with such heavy use and water exposure. Swapping out a damaged O-ring is an easy fix, but it requires the right dimensions and model for your faucet.

1. 1. A Rusty Valve Seat
      A faucet’s valve seat joins the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the water flowing through. Corrosion or other deterioration of the valve seat may cause the spout to drip. Heavy metal and minerals from hard water the most common cause of a rusted or leaking seal valve. Frequent cleaning is helpful for clearing the buildup, but if the corrosion is widespread, the valve seat may require replacement.

1. 1. Poorly Installed Washer
      A damaged or poorly installed washer can be something else that will often lead to leaks. Washers usually break more quickly than other pieces because of the heavy pressure placed on them, so they often need more frequent replacement.

Other Issues Associated with Leaky Faucets

Ignoring a dripping faucet puts you at risk for a number of other plumbing issues than you might realize. Here are the risks and possible complications of inaction:

• • Irritating Drip Sounds: The continuous drip, drip, drip of a dripping faucet can be highly frustrating, especially in quiet spaces or when you’re going to sleep. The persistent noise, even of something as minor as a dripping faucet, will still cause extra stress.

• • Decreased Water Pressure: A faucet leak can result in a decrease in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to run other plumbing parts. Low water pressure can also make it challenging to shower and run appliances that rely on proper water pressure.

• • Potential Pest Issues: Even small amounts of water bring in pests searching for food, water or just a place to hide. A dripping faucet can lead to a hotbed for insects and mice, particularly in dark areas such as under the sink. If severe, these infestations will require pricey removal and control services.

• • Wasting Water and Money: A dripping faucet is wasting more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, or enough to take about 180 showers. This “minor” leak hurts the environment and raises your monthly water bill.

Arrange Leaky Faucet Repair Today

If you notice the likely signs of a dripping faucet, don’t put it off—reach out to United Plumbing Company for dependable leaky faucet repair. We deliver fast, longer-lasting repairs to all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for professional help.