Drip, drip, drip, that innocuous leaky faucet is undoubtedly nothing to worry about – Wrong! That leaky faucet is steadily costing you money and is even dangerous.

Watching water drip from a faucet is like watching money drain from your wallet. Even though it is only a tiny leak dripping slowly, it’s all about the accumulative effect. The overall amount of water represents a corresponding overall amount of wasted money. Also, for leaky faucet contact experienced Structural Engineers Manchester for best solutions.

When studying leaky faucets from an accumulative perspective the United States Environmental Protection Agency states that a leaky faucet dripping one leak per second wastes three thousand gallons of water a year which is equivalent to wasting hundreds of dollars. 

Why Do Faucets Leak?

To fix a leaky faucet, you must first diagnose the issue that is causing it leak, which requires the help and support of a good plumbing company. The most typical causes of a leaking faucet are rust in the valve seat, a loose O ring, worn washers or gaskets, and more. According to professional plumbers in Denver, here are three of the most common causes of a leaky faucet: 

1. Worn-out Parts

Faucets are composed of moving parts which are prone to damage and wear and tear over time. These parts include:

  • O-Ring: An O-ring is a circular elastic gasket that is compressed and seated in a groove between two or more parts. The O-Ring holds parts of the faucet in place and helps prevent the flow of water when the faucet is turned off. O-Rings can wear out with regular use over time and when this happens the faucet will start to leak.  
  • Valve seat: The valve seat is located at the base of the faucet connecting the faucet and the spout. Sediment can build up in the valve seat which causes the washer placed in the valve seat to deteriorate, resulting in leaking water. A valve seat problem will mean water leaking from around the faucet handle area.
  • Inlet and Outlet Seals: Inlet and outlet seals control the flow of water. When a faucet is turned on the seals allow water to flow and when the faucet is turned off, the seals stop the flow of water. The inlet and outlet seals can get damaged from sediment buildup, water pressure, general wear and tear from constant use, and water pressure. Deteriorating inlet and outlet valves result a leaky faucet.  
  • Washers: Washers are used to create waterproof seals. They literally seal off the flow of water from one section of the faucet to another. Washers can be damaged as a result of friction, or water pressure. When a washer is weakened or damaged it no longer effectively prevents the flow of water and a leak will develop. 
  • Cartridge: The cartridge is a piece of plastic contained in a faucet that controls the flow of water. Cartridges can weaken or crack which leads to a leaky faucet. Typically, leaks caused by a damaged or weakened cartridge occur at the faucet base or handles.  

2. Water Pressure

High water pressure causes wear and tear on seals, cracks and damages water pipes and can damage attached fixtures like your washing machine or dishwasher. When high water pressure damages a washer or seal this will result in a water leak from the faucet which causes a further set of problems.  

If your faucet leaks only at specific times of the day, when there are no other plumbing fixtures in use or when you turn the handle, the probable cause of the leak is high water pressure. 

3. Cracks and Loose Fittings

Another common cause of a leaky faucet is cracked or loose-fitting pipes. If the leak in your faucet is slow but steady, cracked or loosely fitting pipes are the most probable cause.  

The Effects of a Leaky Faucet

Appearances can be deceiving and what looks like a small and inconsequential leak can actually have wide ranging ramifications. Here are some potential effects of a leaky faucet:

Wasted Water

Water is the precious liquid of life, and without it, we cannot sustain human existence. Therefore, given its importance for the continuation of life, it makes sense that wherever possible, we should try to minimize water wastage.

A single leak may not look like it is wasting large volumes of water but the United States Environmental Protection Agency states that a leaky faucet dripping one leak per second wastes three thousand gallons of water a year.  

Home Deterioration

A leaky faucet has far-reaching effects beyond the actual area where the leak occurs. For example, the ramifications of a leaky faucet can even affect the structural integrity of parts of your house.  

A leaky faucet is expensive in the long term and also potentially dangerous. Leaky faucets can cause rust on metal surfaces, and as rust builds up, it causes cracks and weak points in pipes. When a pipe is cracked or weakened, this will cause the faucet to leak more water at a faster rate and may even cause a pipe to burst, which leads to significant water damage and extensive, costly repairs.

A leaky faucet affects the area where it is leaking and also the surrounding areas. For example, any wood surface can rot when constantly exposed to excess moisture from a leaky faucet. Wooden shelves and counter-tops can warp, crack, and weaken to the point where they no longer store items. Not to mention rotten wood is unsightly and can lessen the value of your house. 

Health Consequences

The buildup of excess moisture caused by a leaky faucet will lead to more mold being present in your home. Mold develops in patches and it is unsightly and can even represent a health threat. Mold spores can cause breathing problems and skin irritation and allergic reactions.  

Hefty Expenses

Aside from physical damage to structures in your house and health threats, a leaky faucet will also cause your water bills to spike. The bottom line is that what appears to be a tiny insignificant leak in a faucet can have far-reaching ramifications and end up costing you significant amounts of money.

Do It Yourself Leaky Faucet Repair

With the right equipment, experience and knowledge, you can repair a leaky faucet yourself. Here are some handy tips for do-it-yourself faucet repairs:

  1. Determine what type of faucet you have.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the leaking faucet. The shut off valves for hot and cold water will normally be located under the sink. Turn the valves clockwise until they close.
  3. Cover the drain so you don’t lose small parts down it when doing your plumbing repairs.
  4. Remove decorative elements from the faucet handles.
  5. Unscrew the handle and remove the faucet.
  6. Using a wrench, loosen the packing nut and stem inspect both and replace if either is damaged. 
  7. Inspect critical components, such as the O-ring, washer, and valve seats.
  8. Replace any components that are showing signs of wear and tear or are damaged. After the components have been replaced, reassemble your faucet, turn on the water and check for leaks.

In the event that none of these work or you don’t have any idea what to do straightaway, recruiting an expert plumber is better. They have the information, capacities, and devices to distinguish the wellspring of a broken spigot rapidly, forestall future pipes issues, and keep away from additional harm. 

Key Takeaway

One of the most prevalent household concerns is a leaking faucet that drips continuously. It happens so frequently that we may not notice when one of ours leaks water after we turn it off. It may not appear to be an urgent remedy as long as the faucet is not spraying water everywhere when you turn it on, but its effects can severely impact your home. Professional plumbers have the knowledge, training, experience, and specialized tools to identify the cause of a leaky faucet, quickly repair it, and prevent future plumbing problems, and damage.