3 Common Causes Of A Leaky Faucet
Dripping faucets can drive you insane and can increase your water bills. If you have noticed that you have a leaky faucet, there could be a number of different things causing the leak. You should know about what can cause a leaky faucet so you can repair it yourself, or call in a professional plumber to repair it, and no longer be bothered by leaks.
O Ring Is Worn Out
The most common problem when dealing with a leaking faucet is the O ring. The O ring is a circle shaped piece of rubber which is used to make the seal between the faucet and the pipes waterproof. When an O ring becomes too old or damaged, it will no longer properly hold a seal. Most of the time it just wears out from use and becomes ruptured, a lot like a dried out rubber band. These typically cost just a few cents at the hardware store and are fairly easy to replace.
Worn Out Washer
Sometimes the washer on the side the compression valve that allows you to turn the water on and off becomes worn out and causes leaks. To check it, remove the handle of your faucet with a screwdriver. Then use a wrench to remove the valve stem. You should now be able to see the washer and determine whether or not it is damaged or worn out. Look for cracks and loose connections. Simply take the washer to the hardware store to find an exact replacement. This part should only cost a few cents, like the O Ring. Set the new washer back into the valve seat and screw the valve stem back in.
Valve Seat Is Corroded
A corroded valve seat is a little more difficult to fix compared to an O ring or washer, so you'll always want to start with the least expensive repair first and go down the line. The valve seat is where the faucet connects to the spout. The most common cause of a problem with the valve seat is corrosion from water buildup. It is important to keep this area clean and dry; a professional plumber can do this for you. To replace the valve seat you will need to remove the faucet, then use water-pump pliers to remove the compression valve. Then take the valve seat out and bring it to the hardware store to ensure you get a match before installing the new one.
Contact local plumbing services for more help.