Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Dripping Faucets: The Damage of Neglect

Considering your packed day to day, it’s irritating to discover a dripping Some homeowners choose to overlook this kind of thing as a small annoyance, but faucet leaks can lead to widespread damage if left unaddressed right away. Learn what makes a faucet leak, why you shouldn’t ignore one, and how getting a professional plumber can help you save time, money and anxiety.

Why Call a Local Plumber?

Calling an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Professional plumbers possess the tools and knowledge needed to properly diagnose and repair the leak entirely.

1. Expert Insight

Professional plumbers can offer valuable advice and recommendations on practices to prevent future leaks and preserve your plumbing fixtures so they stay in excellent condition.

2. Cost-Effective Solution

While a dripping faucet might feel like a minor annoyance, not addressing it for too long can cause steeper costs down the line, including higher water bills and in severe cases, property damage. Hiring a plumber for a quick resolution is an affordable decision.

3. Total Comfort and Peace of Mind

With a plumber handling the repairs, you can trust that the work is done to higher standards, stopping future leaks and delivering peace of mind.

What Can Cause a Leaky Faucet

You count on your plumbing to work as designed, but a leaky faucet can still happen for a few different reasons. Here are the most common sources of leaks.

1. Broken Gasket
   The gasket provides another watertight seal between the faucet and the countertop. A damaged gasket is the most common root cause if the bottom of your faucet is leaking. After a long time, gaskets can split or become bent out of shape, weakening the seal’s effectiveness. Similar to O-rings, gaskets are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to replace, but choosing the proper size is essential.
2. Old, Worn-Down O-Ring
   The O-ring is a small rubber seal that helps create a waterproof seal for the faucet. O-rings wear out over time, causing water to leak along the faucet handle. They’re typically made of durable rubber, but even the best materials break down with regular use and water exposure. Swapping out an old O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it needs the correct measurements and kind of faucet.
3. A Rusty Valve Seat
   A component known as the valve seat connects the faucet itself to the spout and is designed to control the water flow. Corrosion or similar damage to the valve seat can cause the spout to start leaking. Clogs and mineral deposits from hard water the primary cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Frequent cleaning is helpful for limiting buildup, but if the corrosion is extensive, the valve seat will have to be replaced.
4. A Washer Is Damaged or Coming Loose
   A damaged or poorly installed washer can be something else that will often result in leaks. Washers usually need replacing more quickly than other components because of the heavy pressure exerted on them, so they often need more consistent attention.

Problems Related to Leaking Faucets

Neglecting a leaky faucet exposes you to a number of other plumbing issues than you may realize. Here are the risks and possible consequences of doing nothing:

• Annoying Dripping Sounds: The persistent drip, drip, drip of a faucet leak can be extremely annoying, especially in quiet settings or when you’re attempting to sleep. The constant noise, even if it is something as minor as a dripping faucet, will still result in extra stress.
• Decreased Water Pressure: A dripping faucet can result in a decline in water pressure, increasing the difficulty to use other plumbing parts. Decreased water pressure can also make it harder to shower and run appliances that depend on sufficient water pressure.
• Higher Risk of Pest Problems: Even small amounts of water bring in insects seeking food, water or shelter. A leaky faucet can create a better environment for roaches and rodents, particularly in moist areas such as under the sink. If ignored for too long infestations will require pricey extermination and prevention treatment services.
• Wasting Water and Money: A leaky faucet is wasting more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water annually, or enough to take about 180 showers. This “minor” leak negatively impacts the environment and raises your monthly water bill.

Arrange Leaky Faucet Repair Today

If you have seen any of the telltale signs of a faucet leak, don’t delay—reach out to Moon Valley Plumbing for trustworthy leaky faucet repair. We offer speedy, longer-lasting solutions to all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for skilled assistance.