According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency up to 10,000 gallons of water is wasted each year in a single home due to leaking or dripping faucets. This waste is enough to fill a medium sized swimming pool and cost the homeowner 10% more on their water bill. This added cost and waste can simply be resolved by repairing or fixing the cause of the dripping. However, for some it doesn’t seem to be that simple. Determining the cause of the drip can be difficult since often the problem can’t be found. Orsack Plumbing Company will share some of the most common plumbing problems that can cause a faucet to drip to help the homeowner find their specific cause.
Replace O Ring in Faucet
There is a part of the faucet called the stem screw which is designed to hold the faucet in place. The stem screw uses a small disc which is known as the O Ring. If the o ring corrodes, breaks, or become loosened or worn down, this is where the dripping will begin to occur. O Ring’s do require replacement over time due to the faucet’s use. One of the simpler fixes that a homeowner should try first is to replace the o ring.
Corroded Valve Seat Replacement
The valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout which serves as the compression mechanism. Over time and especially in places with hard water, the water sediment can cause the valve seat to corrode which can allow water to drip from the faucet, and more especially, around the spout. Often to correct this problem you will require the aid of a professional plumber.
Rubber Washers in Bathrooms & Kitchens
Probably one of the most common causes of faucet drips is worn out washers. Each time a faucet is turned on or used, the pressure of the water goes against the washer that hits the valve seat. This is just how faucets work and like the o ring, over time the washer will wear out. Often as they wear out, dripping will occur from the faucet. Just like the o ring, the washer should be checked or replaced in the event dripping occurs. Often this simple fix is all that it takes to stop the dripping. However, another related problem with the washer is improper installation. If the washers are not installed or placed incorrectly, often the dripping will continue. Often the homeowner believes after replacing the washer and the dripping continues that there must be another problem. Often a plumber is then called out just to refit the washer correctly. So if you’re replacing the washer yourself make sure it is done correctly.
Tighten Loose Faucet Plumbing Parts
Over time, various parts, screws, or washers can become loose which with constant pressure from the water will eventually cause dripping. Often the dripping or should we say leaking will come from the faucet handle and then the spout in this case. You may need to replace old screws, nuts, washer and seals to stop the leaking.
Broken Plumbing Lines & Pipes
Some dripping faucets can actually be due to broken or dissolving plumbing. Sometimes. Even though rare, if a pipe line develops a leak or crack and is not repaired it can cause the faucets to leak. However it normally takes a professional plumber to determine whether or not the faucet is leaking due to a broken plumbing line somewhere.
Plumbing Installations, Replacements & Repair in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
Dripping faucets may not be a big concern to many homeowners. Nonetheless most are surprised to learn exactly how much waste in both water and cost a dripping faucet can cause. If you need help stopping your faucets from continually dripping, contact Orsack Plumbing Company. We will help you determine the problem of the dripping faucet as well as repair it before it costs you more on your water bill, and stop the waste.
