Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Leaky Faucet in Your Home

Nobody wants a leaky faucet. You already have a lot on your plate – the last thing you want to deal with is an irritating and seemingly insignificant drip. While you may be tempted just to put it off, immediate action is the best way to prevent later repercussions.

If not dealt with properly, even something as mild as a leaky faucet can waste a lot of money (one drip per second equals 3,000 gallons of water over the course of a year, or approximately 180 showers). Some faucet leaks may also lead to more serious problems like water damage or mold growth.

What Causes a Leaky Faucet?

Various factors can cause a leak, from loose and worn-out parts to corrosion. Your faucet has four essential components from which most plumbing issues will stem: the O-ring, the valve seat, the washer and the gasket.

What Is an O-Ring?

The O-ring is a stem screw that fastens parts of the faucet in place, preventing water from leaking out of the spout. Depending on your faucet type, the stem might have multiple O-rings. Water will drip from the faucet’s handles and base if this part breaks or deteriorates.

What Is a Valve Seat?

The valve seat controls the flow and temperature of the water. Found at the base of the handle, it works as a seal for the faucet’s stem. The valve seat ensures the water is allowed to flow or is blocked as the handles dictate. You’ll know it’s malfunctioning when water leaks from your faucet’s sides.

What Is a Gasket?

The gasket is found between the water inlet and the valve stem. It creates a seal between the faucet and the sink, holding its joints by aerators attached to the stem’s head. Water will trickle out from the base if the gasket isn’t working.

What Is a Washer?

The washer secures the handles and prevents leakage, serving a similar purpose to the O-ring. While the O-ring is ordinarily round and made from an elastic material, such as rubber, the washer is square-shaped and composed of brass, copper and other hard metals. If it malfunctions, corrodes or has been improperly installed, water will leak out of the handles, causing that incessant faucet drip.

Why Is a Leaky Faucet Dangerous?

A leaky faucet left alone for too long can have significant consequences.

Pest Infestations

Since bugs and rodents gravitate towards the scent of water, a leaky faucet will draw pests to your sink. Both are looking for leaks accessible through crawl spaces, which a faucet provides. If you leave water dripping for too long, you run the risk of an infestation.

Rust

If one of the faucet parts has started to corrode, the resulting rust can spread to your pipes and valves with startling speed. The rust might even lead to cracks or other impairments, resulting in more severe plumbing issues.

Your sink could also sustain damage from a leaky faucet. The water in your tap possesses sparse elements of calcium and iron that can stain your sink with repeated and prolonged exposure. Once those elements in the water have been open to the air for some time, your sink will start to rust, creating marks that can be difficult to remove.

Wasting Water and Money

A persistent drip wastes a lot of water. One leaky faucet can accumulate over 3,000 gallons of water a year. This ongoing trickle can also result in steep water bills. Costs add up if water drips out of the tap 24/7, even in a minor leak. You could end up spending an extra $15 to $20 a year on water you’re not using.

Homeowners in Arlington, TX Can Receive Immediate Help From Dependable Plumbing Experts

A leaky faucet won’t fix itself and will only get worse with time. Get the help you need from professionals who have been repairing and replacing Texas plumbing fixtures since 1960.

If your faucet has a leak, the reliable team at Tom’s Mechanical Inc. is ready to help with 24/7 emergency services. With an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau, we’ll go above and beyond to give you the repairs you need, whenever you need them.

Contact us or call 972-388-3669 to schedule a visit from a trained technician.