Leaky faucets can be incredibly annoying, but not only that, they can cause your monthly water bill to skyrocket. In addition, if the right circumstances are present, leaky faucets can cause significant water damage to your property. Thankfully, you can quickly and affordably repair your dripping plumbing fixtures. First, you need to determine why your faucet is dripping in the first place. Here are a few common reasons your faucet may be leaking.

Worn Out Washers

Every single time that you turn your faucet on, the washer and valve seat will touch one another. Over time, the washer will wear out because of the repeated and excessive friction and pressure, which results in dripping from the faucet sprout. To help stop the leak, replace the washer.

Issues with O-Rings

The O-ring is a small disc that directly attaches to a stem screw that helps to secure the faucet handle. Once this disc becomes worn or loose, the faucet may begin to leak around the handle. If you notice that the handle is leaking regardless of whether the faucet is turned on or off, the chances are good that the drip is a result of a defective O-ring and it will need to be replaced to stop the leak.

Rusted Valve Seat

The valve seat utilizes compression to connect the spout and faucet to one another. The valve seat can become corroded as a result of the buildup of sediment, which tends to cause leaks from the spout. The easiest way to keep this from occurring is to have a plumbing professional clear the valve seat. However, in the event that it has already started to rust, the best thing you can do is to replace the entire plumbing fixture.

Improper Installation

After a plumbing fixture has been installed, you may begin to notice leaks almost immediately. If this is the case, it is almost always a result of a poor installation, which is most often the result of washers, O-rings, or other components being the incorrect size. In addition, when components are not installed properly, it is possible for the seals to fail, allowing water to drip even if the faucet is turned off.

If you have noticed that any of your household faucets are leaking, the aforementioned problems may be to blame. Try to troubleshoot the issue yourself first, but if you are unable to repair the leak on your own, contact a residential plumbing service for further assistance. 

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