Having a leaking faucet in your home is more than just a nuisance, it’s likely also costing you money. Leaking faucets are a major cause of water waste in the home, but what causes a faucet to leak? Let’s look at some of the most common reasons we see leaky faucets.
Worn Washers
A worn or damaged washer can cause your faucet to leak. This type of leak occurs at the base of the faucet and happens when the washer is either worn out or fitted incorrectly. If an improperly sized washer was fitted in the sink in the first place this may happen much sooner than a properly fitted washer. To fix this problem, you simply need a new washer.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a big cause of leaky faucets, especially in older homes. Over time deposits in the water wear down the various parts of the faucet. When this happens leaks can occur. Corrosion especially is a problem in the valve seat, but corrosion can occur in many different parts of the faucet or piping.
Water Pressure
Water pressure could be another cause of minor leaks because the pressure is either too high or too low. When this is the case, oftentimes the faucet will only leak sometimes, based on whether or not water is being used elsewhere in the home.
Loose or Broken Parts
Overtime faucet pieces can loosen and begin to leak, which is a minor problem, but annoying nonetheless! If loose parts are the cause of your problem simply tightening them can fix the leak. If you notice broken parts, whether it be a washer or a seal, you’ll want to call a Maryland plumber to have it looked at. In some cases it is worthwhile to replace the faucet entirely rather than fixing several broken or corroded pieces.
Is Your Faucet Leaking in Carroll County?
At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating we can quickly diagnose your leaking faucet and repair it so you can lower your water bill and stop being irritated by that constant drip. Whether your faucet needs a simple replacement piece or you are in need of a replacement faucet, we are here to help. We are a Carroll County plumbing company with years of experience and we’d love to help you with your plumbing needs. Give us a call today!