There’s nothing quite as annoying as a leaky faucet. Not only is it a constant source of noise, but it also wastes water and can increase your monthly utility bill. Unfortunately, faucet leaks are a common household problem and something that many homeowners will face at some point.
The good news is that there is a solution for your leaking faucet. Here is what you need to know about faucet repair.
6 Common Causes of Faucet Leaks
Before you can fix a leaky faucet, it’s important to understand what’s causing the leak in the first place. Here are six of the most common causes of faucet leaks:
Broken Washer
The washer inside the faucet can become worn or damaged over time, causing water to leak through the faucet when it’s turned off.
Loose or Damaged O-Ring
The O-ring seals the faucet handle to the body and can become loose or damaged, causing water to leak from the base of the faucet.
Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and can become corroded or worn, causing water to leak around the spout area.
Damaged Cartridge
Cartridge faucets use a cartridge to control water flow and temperature. Over time, the cartridge can become damaged or worn, causing water to leak from the faucet.
Worn-Out Seals
Seals are used in all faucets to keep water from leaking out of the spout. If these seals become worn or damaged, they can cause water to leak around the base of the faucet.
Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause faucets to leak, as it puts extra stress on the faucet’s components.
Types of Faucets
Now that you know what might be causing the leak, it’s helpful to understand the different types of faucets. There are four main types of faucets: cartridge, disc, ball, and compression washer. Let’s dive into the differences of each.
- Cartridge Faucet: As mentioned above, cartridge faucets use a cartridge to control water flow and temperature.
- Disc Faucet: Disc faucets use a pair of ceramic discs to control water flow and temperature.
- Ball Faucet: Ball faucets have a rotating ball that controls water temperature and flow.
- Compression Washer Faucet: These are the oldest type of faucet and use a rubber washer to control water flow.
6 Quick and Easy Steps to Faucet Repair
Let’s go over the six steps that you can take to repair your faucet.
1. Turn Off Water Supply
First things first, if you notice that your faucet is leaking you need to turn off the water supply. Running the water will only cause more water to come through the leak and cause damage to the overall system and your home.
2. Dismantle the Faucet Components
The next step in your faucet repair is to dismantle the faucet handle and components.
3. Identify the Source of the Leak
While the parts are dismantled, look for the cause of the leak. Do you see any worn parts? Is any integral part of the faucet broken? If you notice something that raises eyebrows, address it now.
4. Replace the Damaged Parts
You may need to replace the broken or worn parts. Depending on your faucet type, this could include replacing the washer, O-ring, cartridge, valve seat, or seals. You can find these replacement parts at most hardware stores.
5. Reassembling the Faucet
Once all the old and broken parts have been replaced with new ones you can reassemble the faucet. Make sure everything is tight and secure before you turn the water back on. When ready, slowly turn the water supply back on so that it gradually builds up to normal pressure levels.
6. Testing for Leaks
Finally, give your faucet a test run by turning it on and off several times. If there are no more leaks, then you’ve conquered the repair and can enjoy a leak-free home.
Preventing Future Leaks
Now that your faucet is no longer leaking, you may be wondering how to prevent future leaks from occurring. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid having to go through this repair process again.
First, make sure the water pressure in your home is not too high. This can put undue stress on the faucet’s components and lead to leaks over time. You can also inspect your faucet regularly for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in the handle or a worn O-ring. Additionally, you should always use manufacturer-approved parts when repairing or replacing parts of the faucet.
Call In a Professional
If you’re not comfortable with repairing your faucet on your own, or if the leak persists after your faucet repair, it may be time to call in a professional plumber. An experienced plumber will have the necessary tools and knowledge to determine the root cause of the leak and fix it properly.
Three Kings Plumbing Can Help
At Three Kings Plumbing, we have years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing issues, including leaky faucets. Our team of experienced plumbers is ready to help you with any of your plumbing needs. From repairing parts to inspecting your entire system for potential leaks, our experts can handle it all. Give us a call today and see what Three Kings Plumbing can do for you!
