The Drip Stops Here: Common Faucet Issues and Their Solutions

What are the signs of a leaky faucet?

Unless you are a licensed plumber, it is best to avoid trying to repair a leaky faucet. While repairing a faucet, you could damage the tap further. Moreover, it is essential to understand the reasons behind the leak before you can fix it. Otherwise, you can damage the plumbing, so you might be looking at significant repair work. Thus, you must hire experts to avoid further damage and repair the leak quickly. Some of the reasons for leaky faucets are as follows –

• Broken washers are the most common reason for a leaky faucet. The washer of a faucet is set against the valve of a tap. The washer keeps the valve closed when you open or close a faucet. You will find that the washers are no more than rubber rings placed around the valves to protect them from damage due to friction. As these rubber rings are the ones that face the force of friction, it is understandable that these get damaged over time. When the washers get damaged, water will begin to leak from the faucet as the valve will not close firmly, and a gap will remain. When you hire an experienced plumber, he will check the tap, identify whether the leak is due to damaged washers, and then replace it.
• Damaged cartridge – This problem arises with faucets with two handles. If you have installed a faucet with two handles, one for hot and the other for cold water, you will find that each has a valve controlling the water flow. This means there is a valve in the handle containing the water flowing in the hot water spout and another valve controlling the water flow in the cold-water spout. Now, there can be two causes of water leakage from the faucet of a two-handled tap installation. If the valves are not installed properly, you will find that the water is leaking from the entire body of the tap. In such a scenario, you must take the advice of experts offering leaky faucet repair near Ocala, FL. Sometimes, you might have to replace the entire faucet. However, if it is a problem, such as a damaged cartridge, then replacement of the faucet section might be sufficient.
• Evaluating the water pressure – This is a problem you will face primarily with the bathroom faucets. When the water moves to the upper floors of your house through the pipelines, it is important to maintain a certain level of water pressure to ensure that water flows at a certain speed from the faucet. However, if you notice that water leaks from the taps in the bathroom at certain times and there is no leakage at other times, there is a water pressure problem. As a homeowner, you will find that it is difficult to estimate the water pressure and identify the root cause of the leakage. You must hire experts who will evaluate the water pressure in the bathroom and check if a problem with the water pressure is caused by pressure differences in the pipelines or if there are any blockages in the pipelines.
• O-ring getting damaged – This has to do with the faucet’s handle. If you observe that water leakage is from the handle of the tap, then it is a faulty O-ring. The function of the O-ring is like that of a washer. It is used to reduce the friction between the handle and the tap. Over time, the O-ring can get damaged due to friction. You will find that the O-ring can get loose, and the water will leak from the faucet’s handle. This often becomes evident through water leaking from the faucet’s handle. In such a scenario, you can stop using the tap to prevent water wastage. When you hire a plumber to repair such a leakage, you will find that he will replace the O-ring, and the leakage will stop.

Repairing a leaky faucet is essential to reduce your water bill and prevent wastage. Sometimes, you will find that the leakage is minor and the water dripping is only occasional. However, keeping it unchecked can damage the sink because keeping the sink and the bathroom basins dry for some time during the day is essential. If you have a leaky faucet, you will also damage the basins. Thus, to avoid unforeseen expenses, it is best to repair a leaky faucet as soon as possible and ensure you have a clean and dry bathroom or kitchen sink.

How can you fix a leaky faucet?

The best way to fix a leaky faucet would be to hire experts. The primary reason is that you will not have the necessary equipment to remove the faucet, its parts, and the plumbing attachments to identify the cause of the leakage. You will find that replacing the damaged parts and replacing the faucet the same way is necessary. Each process step requires significant expertise, so hiring experts to repair a leaky faucet is best. When you hire an expert, you will find that some of the steps that they follow are discussed below –

• Before you repair the faucet, you must turn off the water supply so there is no sudden accidental flooding of the kitchen or the bathroom. If the water supply is not turned off properly, the water will come gushing out of the pipe once the faucet is removed. Hence, check the water supply and, if necessary, close the main supply line.
• The next step will be to remove the faucet handle. You will find that the removal of the handle needs specialized equipment. For example, if the handle has a side screw, you must use an Allen wrench or a hex screw to remove the handle. If the handle has a top screw, then you need a different screwdriver that loosens the handle from below. Thus, it is essential to have specialized equipment first to loosen the faucet handles to remove them quickly.
• Once you do this, you must check the damage to the faucet handle. If there is an issue with the O-ring, you must replace it. If the O-ring is damaged due to friction, there is no alternative other than replacing it. If the cartridge is damaged, you will have to replace it. According to experts offering leaky faucet repair near Villages, FL, you must detach it from the stem before you can change the cartridge. Once detached, you must clean the valve and the cartridge holder before placing the new cartridge. When you place the new cartridge, you must ensure it fits firmly into the holder. Once it is done, you can screw back the handle.
• If the washer is damaged, you must replace it immediately. You will find that you must remove the cover from the faucet before you can replace the washer. If the cover does not detach easily, you must use a wrench to remove the cover. Once the cover is removed, you must check and secure the valve before removing the washer. You cannot repair washers; you can only replace them. You must now replace the old washer with a new one. Once you replace the washer, ensure it adheres securely to the valve. If necessary, screw the valve back to secure the entire system. When you screw the valve back into its place, ensure that you do not overtighten it as it might break the valve. When the process is complete, you must replace the faucet cover and check if the entire system is in place.

When repairing a leaky faucet, it is essential to remember that the process is complete when you check the faucet and the leak is removed. You must turn the tap on and ensure the water flows smoothly. Sometimes, once the repair is completed, homeowners notice a difference in the water flow. This happens if the repair work needs to be done correctly. To avoid any such problem, you must hire experts offering leaky faucet repair near Villages, FL, as they will not only solve the faucet leakage problem but also ensure that no additional issues arise because of the repair work.

Is repairing a leaky faucet eco-friendly?

The simple answer to this question is yes, it is. It is essential to repair a leaky faucet, and you should do it as quickly as possible. The primary reason is that fixing a leaky faucet is an environmentally friendly activity. The gallons of water wasted due to a leaky faucet can be dangerous for future generations. Water has become a precious resource, and it is essential to minimize its wastage. A leaky faucet means water is dripping from the tap, and you do not expect much water to be wasted. However, consider a scenario where several households have leaky faucets, and they do not repair them. In such a scenario, you will waste several gallons of water. Thus, fixing a leaky faucet and carrying out your responsibility toward the environment is essential.