Why Do Faucets Leak?
8/23/2022 (Permalink)
Have you ever been lying in bed trying to fall asleep, but your bathroom faucet won't stop making a loud, constant, dripping sound? Dealing with leaky faucets in Oliver Springs, TN, isn't just annoying; it can actually waste a lot of water. Before you try to fix it, you need to understand what causes a leaking faucet in the first place.
Type of Faucet
Different kinds of faucets can have different problems, and the procedures for fixing them vary. You'll need to know what type you have before you can address the issue. The most common types are:
- Compression faucets
- Ball faucets
- Cartridge faucets
- Ceramic-disk faucets
Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can cause small leaks, resulting in a dripping faucet. If left unchecked, you may have to call a water damage restoration service to repair the damage.
Worn-Out O Ring
An O ring is used to hold the handle in place. It can wear out with regular use and cause leaks. This part can be easily replaced to fix your leaking faucet.
Valve Seat Problems
A valve seat is the name of the part that connects the spout to the faucet. Over time, these may become rusty or corroded. This will result in a dripping faucet. All you have to do is get it cleaned, and you'll have a fixed leak.
Worn-Out Washer
The washer may wear out as it rubs against the valve seat. This hinders the washer's ability to remain water-tight, allowing drips. This part can be replaced to repair the problem.
Loose Parts
Sometimes, parts become loose over time. If this is the problem, tightening the nut in the stream screw should fix it.
Checking the water pressure, O ring, valve seat, washer and nut in the stream screw will help you diagnose the problem. After you know the cause, fixing a leaking faucet is usually easy to do.