Although it’s a relatively common issue, many people don’t know what causes a leaky faucet. Additionally, few homeowners are familiar with the consequences of leaky taps, causing them to ignore the problem. However, much of the damage caused by leaky faucets can be prevented by reacting swiftly.
In this article, we’ll provide a better understanding of leaky faucets by listing their causes and consequences.
What causes a leaky faucet?
Many internal pieces of the faucet responsible for turning the water on and off can break. Consequently, they can’t function correctly and will give rise to leaks. Here are a few common causes of leaks:
Loose washers
The washer opens and closes when turning the faucet on and off. This movement produces friction, causing wear and tear. Over time, the washer gets worn out and won’t fit closely to the valve seat, leading to a leak.
Worn out O-rings
O-rings seal gaps between the internal parts of the faucet. If they fail, water can seep through these gaps and result in a leaky faucet.
Poor seals
Many faucets have inlet seals that let water freely flow when turning the faucet on and stop when it is turned off. If there’s too much sediment or water pressure, the seals can suffer damage and cause the faucet to leak.
Corroded valve seat
The valve seat sits at the bottom of the faucet’s mechanism. It plays a part in turning the tap on and off, and it can corrode due to repeated usage. If so, water will be dripping around the handle area.
Worn out faucet cartridge
Single-handle faucets have a faucet cartridge that helps control the water flow. Due to normal wear and tear, the cartridge can start leaking.
What are the consequences of a leaky faucet?
Here are the most common consequences of leaky taps:
High water bills – Dripping faucets can lead to much higher water bills due to the amount of water wasted. In particular, as much as 17 gallons of water can be wasted during a single day if a faucet has about one drip per second.
Mold and rot – Mold can develop in any moist area, making the area around leaky faucets an ideal breeding ground. Also, any wooden elements affected by the leak can eventually rot.
Overflows and drain clogs – If the leak persists for a while, it can cause a lot of stress on the plumbing system and lead to overflows and drain clogs.
Water stains – Minerals accumulating in the sink due to a leaky faucet can be quite tricky to remove. In the worst-case scenario, you might need to buy a new sink.
Don’t let leaky faucets go unchecked
No matter how trivial it might seem, a leaky faucet can wreak havoc in the home. Be sure to call an experienced plumber whenever a leak develops to nip the issue in the bud before it causes extensive damage.
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
