There are many plumbing issues that we dismiss as being trivial and never get checked. One of them is a dripping faucet. When a faucet leaks, you may not think much of it.
However, the truth is, you are wasting so much money on water bills than you could ever know.
Spending money on water that you never used is not really an ideal situation. A minor leak can be so bad.
There are instances when the faucet leak is way larger, meaning you waste even more water a month. It is important to understand what causes such drips and how to tackle the problem. Sometimes there could be another bigger underlying issue.
You cannot always tell how bad a situation is unless you call professional plumbers. We are a locally run and owned business, and we can offer you a reliable and affordable solution for your dripping faucets.
What causes the drips?
There are so many things that could cause dripping faucets. Some of the main ones include:
Damaged cartridge
If your faucets have two handles, this is a Cartlidge faucet. It may be capable of handling hot water and cold water. The faucet has a cartridge on either side, which controls the water flow into the spout. If you notice water dripping, it could indicate that the cartridge is damaged.
Broken washers
This is another common cause of a dripping faucet. Washers are usually against the seat of the valve. Because of friction and time, the washers can wear out. This could lead to drips. There is also a chance that the washer size does not match your faucet. It could also be installed the wrong way. In either case, a leak can occur.
Water pressure
There are moments when you notice a drip in the faucet during specific times. The drips could also occur when the faucet is moved in a particular way. In such a case, the most likely culprit could be the water pressure in the home.
Fixing a dripping faucet
A dripping faucet means higher water bills and an irritating drip sound. When you want to fix such a faucet, one of the most important steps is to:
If you don’t do this, you could flood different parts of the home, depending on how bad the leak is. There are usually shutoff valves, which can be turned clockwise to cut the water supply. You should test that the water is indeed off by checking the faucet. Some faucets don’t have shutoff valves. In such a case, the main supply should be turned off. If there is no water when you turn the faucet on, it is done.
The best way to do this usually depends on the fixture. When standard fixtures are involved, a flathead screwdriver can do the trick. You can easily take the caps on the handle top and reveal the handle screws. These should be unscrewed to remove the handles.
Take a look at the valve body. Sometimes mineral buildup is very easy to notice. This has to be cleaned. White vinegar can do the trick and can be poured over the seat. Allow this to sit for some time and then scrub. Scrub the entire sink too to restore its normal shine.
If you notice damaged or worn-out parts, they should be replaced. You can find the best parts to make the replacement. You can bring the worn-out parts to the store and get duplicates.
Reassembling the faucet is the last thing. After all, things have been repaired, replaced, and cleaned. It’s time to put things back. You can then turn the water back on and test whether the leakage is still there. The above steps are not so obvious to everyone. It is not easy to grasp some of the above concepts, and doing it right is not that simple. That is why we offer some of the most affordable plumbing services locally.
We can handle a dripping faucet within a very short time. With us, you don’t need to master anything. We have the right tools and experience to handle such issues fast and effectively. We are also conversant with all sorts of faucets, and we can guide you on the same. Whether you need initial installation or repair, we have you covered.
After removing the faucet handle, the cartridge or inner valve stem will be visible. You need to remove this as well. In the case of a compression faucet, there is a brass valve stem.
You can unscrew it. For cartridge faucets, you only have to pull straight out. When all parts are out, inspect and find out what should be replaced to handle the leaking issue.
Seals, O-rings, and rubber washers need to be inspected.
Why get professional help
While you could attempt to fix faucets and come out successfully, it is not always wise to do so. There are instances where you may try to correct the issue only to do more damage. Experienced hands are way better at handling dripping faucets. Without experience, a leakage can become a plumbing nightmare. Fixing dripping faucets is in our job description.
We have tackled these tasks for a long time and in many homes. This is to say that we know everything that must be done. We have the right tools and know the best methods to apply. We do it right without messing up the plumbing. It is important to note that the homeowner cannot handle some dripping faucet issues. There are times when it is necessary to have a plumber take care of it. We can inspect all the elements and ensure that everything is up and running the right way.
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