The drip drip drip of a leaky faucet can not get annoying with time, but it can also lead to various other issues that can be expensive to fix. From broken parts to changes in your home's water pressure, there are numerous reasons why you may be dealing with leaky faucets in your home.
To learn more about this plumbing issue, stick around as the professional plumbers from Furnasman dive deep into this topic below.
Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?
A a faucet is dripping after it's been shut off, is often caused by a faulty or worn-out washer or seal within the faucet itself. When the faucet is shut off, the washer is supposed to create a watertight seal, preventing water from flowing out into your skin. However, if the washer is damaged, worn, or improperly installed, it may not fully seal the water, resulting in a drip.
What is the most common cause of a leaky faucet?
The most common causes of a leaking faucet spout include the following:
Worn out washer
Within a faucet handle, there are small rubber washers that create a seal when the faucet is turned off. Over time, the rubber washers can deteriorate, which can cause the handle to leak. Worn out washers will need to be replaced.
Faulty o ring
An o ring is a rubber seal that is located around the base of the faucet spout and faucet handles to prevent water from leaking. When the O ring wears out or suffers damage, they will no longer be able to keep watertight seal, resulting in leaky faucets. Again, this will need to be replaced with a new o ring to prevent further leaking.
Rusted valve seat
A valve seat connects the internal parts with the spout. Over time, mineral buildup from hard water can accumulate on the valve seat, leading to corrosion. A corroded valve seat can prevent the faucet from forming a tight seal, resulting in leaks. Cleaning or replacing the deteriorated valve seat can resolve this issue.
To remove water sediments and buildup, pour white vinegar on the faucet. This should clear up the water sediment buildup. If this does not fix your dripping faucet, you may have to do a water treatment to your water supply and install a new faucet.
Loose or broken parts
A faucet is made up of numerous nuts, screws, and other components that need to be properly tightened to maintain a secure seal. If these parts become loose or broken due to regular usage or are not installed properly your faucet will continue dripping water. You will either need to install replacement parts or tighten the connections.
Increased water pressure
Excessive water pressure can put strain on the internal parts, causing the outlet seals, washers, and the o ring to wear out more quickly. When these parts deteriorate, leaks can develop. Reducing the water supply pressure can help prevent premature wear and tear and control water flow from the faucet, which will stop the water from dripping.
Improper installation
If the faucet was not installed correctly it can lead to leaking, which will increase your water bill. It's important that plumbing installations be performed by a qualified individual who is licensed to do so. This will help prevent your faucets from dipping and the likelihood of more severe water damage from happening.
How do I stop my faucet from dripping?
There are many different kinds of faucets, and each has its own design and possible leak source. Knowing the different faucet types can help you determine a better course of action in terms of repairs moving forward. However, we always recommend working with a professional plumber on all water-related issues in your home:
Cartridge style faucet
Cartridge faucets are most often found on bathroom sinks. They are distinguishable by their handles that move up and down to control the flow of water.
Disc faucet
A disc faucet has a rounded cap with a single lever that moves up and down.
Ball faucet
A ball joint is typically found in kitchens. They can control the temperature and flow of water and feature a single lever as well, which is similar to that of a disc faucet.
Compression washer faucet
The most traditional kind of faucet found in homes is a compression washer faucet. It has two handles that move side to side and tighten when the faucet is turned off. Rubber washers prevent the flow of water.
Who should check my leaky faucet?
To fix a faucet that is dripping water even after you've shut it off, you'll need to reach out to a plumbing professional in your area. Qualified plumbers have the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge needed to provide high-quality services and solutions based on your unique needs and home.
While DIY fixes may seem like a good idea and a way to save money, they often lead to more trouble. When it comes to your home's plumbing system and water supply, it's better to leave the job up to someone who knows what they're doing, rather than try it yourself.
Trust us, this will benefit you in the long run and prevent any damage from happening to your home.
Is it safe to fix a leaky faucet on my own?
If a faucet is dripping in your home, fixing it as soon as possible is essential to preventing further damage to the faucet itself and any other water related damage. While it's easy to pick up replacement parts from a local hardware store and attempt to fix the issue yourself, it's best to leave this job to someone qualified.
Dealing with a leaky faucet? Book a plumbing repair appointment with Furnasman today!
Leaking faucets may not seem like a big issue, but it can lead to an increased water bill and gallons of wasted water over time.
So, if you faucet is dripping water, reach out to the professional plumber team from Furnasman Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible! Our plumbers are available 24/7/365 days a year including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra cost. Same day emergency plumbing services are also available.
If you live in downtown Winnipeg, of the surrounding communities reach out to us over the phone or use our online plumbing request form!
