Why Your Faucet Is Dripping Water & How To Fix It

Leaky faucets aren’t just annoying, they can also require costly repairs that could have been avoided. If you’re dealing with one or more leaky faucets, don’t let the problem go unaddressed. Resolving the issue ASAP can prevent costly water bills, mold and mildew growth, and water damage.

Leaky faucets can also lead to a huge waste of unused water — without a fix, one household can waste over 30 gallons of water a day. Learning the causes of a faucet leak and how to fix them is key to keeping your home’s plumbing in good working condition.

What Causes a Leaky Faucet?

There are probably more causes of a leaky faucet than you might think. While this is frustrating, the good news is that most cases are easy to diagnose and fix.

Being one of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the leading causes of a leaky faucet, including:

• Water pressure: If your faucet only leaks at certain times or you notice it drips more when another faucet is being used, it’s likely a water pressure issue.
• A broken cartridge: Faucets with hot and cold handles are cartridge-style faucets; the cartridge is designed to regulate the amount of water released. When it’s damaged, it can lead to a leaky faucet.
• Broken seals: Inlet and outlet seals keep water from leaking from your faucet. When they’re broken or worn down, water can leak out.
• Loose or broken parts: As with any appliance, loose or damaged parts will inevitably hinder how well your faucet performs.
• Damaged O-ring: O-rings are used to keep the handles in place. If it’s damaged or loose, it can result in leaks.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet

Fortunately, many of the problems mentioned can be resolved with DIY repairs; however, it’s still important to take the necessary precautions before attempting any plumbing repair on your own.

Here are the steps to take to fix a leaky faucet:

• Shut off the water supply.
• Cover the drain with a drain cover, towel, t-shirt, etc.
• Remove the handles, packing nut, and stem.
• Remove washers, O-rings, and seals.
• Inspect and replace any damaged parts.
• Sanitize all parts of the faucet with white vinegar.
• Reassemble the faucet.

Schedule Professional Plumbing Repairs

O’Bryan Plumbing Services is a family-owned company that has been in business since 1982. We’re skilled at providing top-notch plumbing repairs for our Allen and Plano, TX, community.

If you can’t find a solution for your leaky faucet, call us for a fast, professional repair. We offer upfront pricing and competitive product and service warranties, and each service is performed by highly trained technicians.

Ready to schedule a plumbing repair with our team? Call (972) 727-6364 today.