“Why is My Faucet Leaking?”

There are several factors that could cause a leaking faucet and, if you have the right tools, you should be able to tackle most of them yourself.  If not – or, you simply don’t have the time – we’re here to lend a helping hand.

Either way, prompt action is necessary to avoid a costlier repair solution.  In the meantime, here are the four leading causes of a leaking faucet.

1. Loose or Worn O ring – A stem screw holds your faucet handle in place and has a small disc attached to it: the O ring.  If you hang onto your faucet long enough, the O ring is likely to become loose or simply wear out.  Leaking O rings are especially prevalent in cartridge faucets.  To replace yours, refer to your owner’s manual or look up the specifics of your faucet on the internet.

2. Valve Seat Corrosion – A valve seat connects the faucet to the spout. When enough sediment builds up, the valve seat begins to corrode which, in turn, causes leaks in and around the spout.  Regular cleaning can help prevent corrosion by removing sediment deposits.

3. Worn out Washer – Every time you turn on a faucet, the washer is being forced against the valve seat. That eventually causes the washer to break down.  Once again, the symptom is water leaking from the spout, so once you open things up, be sure to check both the valve seat and the washer.

4. Loose Parts –Over time, the stem screw’s adjusting ring and packing nuts may become loose, thus causing one or more leaks near the faucet handle. The solution could be as simple as tightening the packing nut or you might have to replace it.

Of course, it takes more than tools and a little bit of mechanical know-how to fix or replace a faucet.  It also takes time, and time is something that many busy home owners simply don’t have enough of.

That’s where we come in: Your 1 Plumber. We’re here to for all your major and minor plumbing needs alike.  So if you have a leaky faucet or anything else currently wrong your plumbing, give us a call for prompt and professional problem resolution.