Reasons It’s Not a Good Idea to Avoid Fixing Dripping Faucets: The Risk of Neglect

With your packed routine, it’s exhausting to find a dripping Some homeowners choose to ignore this problem as a minor annoyance, but dripping faucets can cause widespread damage if not taken care of soon. Learn what makes a faucet leak, why you shouldn’t ignore one, and how getting a professional plumber can help you save money, time and anxiety.

Why Hire Expert, Local Plumbers?

Hiring an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Plumbers have the tools and knowledge necessary to properly diagnose and fix the problem.

1. Expert Advice

Plumbers can provide Expert advice and recommendations on ways to prevent future leaks and maintain your plumbing system so it stays in top shape.

2. Affordable Solution

While a faucet leak might seem closer to a small problem, ignoring it for too long could lead to steeper bills in the future, including higher water bills and potentially even property damage. Hiring a plumber for a quick resolution is an affordable decision.

3. Reassurance and Total Peace of Mind

With an Expert fixing the leak, you can count on the fact that the work is done to higher standards, avoiding future leaks and delivering peace of mind.

Reasons Behind a Faucet Leak

You count on your plumbing fixtures to function as designed, but a leaky faucet can still show up for a few different reasons. Here are the main culprits.

1. Cracked Gasket
   The gasket creates another watertight seal between the faucet and the sink. A broken gasket is the most likely reason if the base of your faucet starts to leak. After a long time, gaskets can break or become warped, affecting their ability to seal properly. Similar to O-rings, gaskets are fairly inexpensive and easy to replace, but finding the correct fit is important.
2. Worn-Out O-Ring
   The O-ring is a small ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps create a watertight seal in the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, eventually leaking water close to the faucet handle. They’re usually made from durable rubber, but even the highest-quality materials degrade with regular use and water exposure. Swapping out an old O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it is best when you have the right measurements and type of faucet.
3. The Valve Seat Is Worn or Rusted
   The valve seat joins the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the water flowing through. Rust or similar damage to the valve seat may cause the spout to start leaking. Heavy metal and minerals from hard water the most common cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Regular cleaning helps with preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is widespread, the valve seat may need to be replaced.
4. Poorly Installed Washer
   A damaged or improperly installed washer can routinely cause leaks. Washers tend to break down faster than other pieces because of the heavy pressure exerted on them, so they often require more frequent attention.

Other Possible Complications Related to Leaking Faucets

Ignoring a faucet leak exposes you to a number of other plumbing issues than you may think. Here are the risks and possible costs of trying to put it off:

• Constant Dripping Sounds: The continuous drip, drip, drip of a faucet leak can be incredibly annoying, especially in quiet spaces or when you’re attempting to sleep. The ongoing noise, even when it’s something as minor as a dripping faucet, will still cause extra anxiety.
• Reduced Water Pressure: A faucet leak can cause a decline in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to operate other plumbing features. Poor water pressure can also make it challenging to shower and run appliances that depend on proper water pressure.
• Higher Risk of Pest Problems: Even small amounts of water attract bugs searching for food, water or shelter. A faucet leak can create a better environment for bugs and mice, particularly in damp areas including under the sink. If severe, these pest issues will require costly extermination and prevention treatment services.
• Wasted Water and Money: A dripping faucet wastes more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip each second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water per year, or enough to take about 180 showers. This much waste is bad for the ecosystem and increases your water bills.

Request Your Dripping Faucet Repair Now

If you spy any of the warning signs of a leaky faucet, don’t put it off—call Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for trustworthy leaky faucet repair. We deliver quick, longer-lasting solutions to all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today for Expert local help.