Don't Let a Dripping Faucet Ruin Your Mood

Stop Leaking Faucets Quickly

A dripping faucet can be frustrating because no one likes the sound of dripping water, especially when they know what it indicates. Leaking faucets don't just spoil the mood but can cause high water costs and severe property damage. 

Homeowners should have their leaky faucets repaired as soon as possible. If not, the constant dripping sound and potential damage can be a serious distraction. Here are some tips and information from local plumbing experts to help homeowners take control of their dripping faucets.  

Problems Caused By a Dripping Faucet  

A dripping faucet is a problem that is commonly underestimated. Apart from the annoying dripping sound, a leaky faucet can send thousands of gallons of water down the drain over time, significantly impacting the home's water bill because homeowners will use far more water than usual. Even a single faucet that leaks at one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water over a year. And that’s just one single leak. 

Another danger of a dripping faucet is the potential for mold growth. With all those drops of water landing in the sink drain, the drainage pipes will never get dry. This will create a consistently moist environment where mold can thrive. The growth of mold can be harmful to health when inhaled. Therefore, repairing dripping faucets right away is essential to protecting the health of the home’s residents.  

What Causes Faucets to Leak? 

The main reason that faucets start to leak is they simply get worn out. Nearly every faucet in the home is used multiple times per day by people on the go. All of that use can cause the internal workings of faucets to wear out. 

Most often, faucets fail in one of two places. One of the most common points of failure for a tap is the valve seat. This rubber seat prevents water from flowing out of the faucet when not in use. When the seat accumulates debris or gets worn out the faucet drips. 

Another common point of failure is the O-ring. O-rings prevent water from leaking around the handles by creating a seal. They are a crucial moving part that has to stay intact to prevent leaks. If water leaks around the base of the handles, then the O-ring may need to be replaced. 

Leaky Faucet Repair 

Hiring a plumber is always the safest way to fix a leaky faucet. They can tell if it's worth fixing or if they should replace the faucet entirely. Homeowners shouldn’t hesitate to call a professional if there is any doubt.

A damaged cartridge is another common cause of a leaky faucet. However, there are a few steps to take when fixing a dripping faucet, depending on the type of sink and tap a homeowner has. Here are the steps that professional's plumbers take to replace a broken cartridge:  

• Turn off the water
• Remove the handle covers
• Take off the handles
• Remove any nuts and bolts
• Take out the old cartridge
• Insert a new cartridge that is the same kind as the old one
• Reinstall the handles and handle covers
• Turn the water supply back on

About Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are a family-owned and operated company serving Greensburg, PA, and the surrounding communities. They offer competitive prices, personalized options, and prompt arrivals. Call them today for emergency plumbing services in Greensburg, PA.

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