Tag: faucets

Common Problems That Cause Leaky Faucets

common problems that cause leaky faucets

Pay Attention to Leaky Faucets 

A leaky faucet may not seem like a huge problem compared to everything that could go wrong with the plumbing. However, the EPA estimates that over a trillion gallons of water are wasted annually in the US from leaks alone. This means that, on average, every household in the US has at least one plumbing leak that wastes many gallons of water a day. Many of these leaks are dripping faucets. 

With all of that wasted water, leaky faucets are a big liability. Instead of paying for wastewater, homeowners should take the initiative to repair leaks when they become apparent. Compared to the severity of the problem, leaky faucet repairs are cheap and easy. Here are some tips to help homeowners repair their faucets or, at the very least, understand how a plumber will perform repairs. 

Symptoms of a Damaged O-Ring 

O-ring and faucet components, including a chrome faucet body, rubber seal, and retaining ring, illustrating parts essential for repairing leaky faucets.The inside of a faucet is a mystery to most people and an overwhelmingly complex device to others. But the principles of what makes a water faucet work are fairly simple. Since each valve is the same, one only has to understand one valve to properly troubleshoot faucet leaks. 

One of the most perplexing faucet leaks is when water leaks around the handles of the faucet. This problem is solved by replacing the o-ring in the faucet. The O-ring is a small rubber seal around the faucet's stem. Its purpose is to keep water from flowing up the valve stem when the sink handle turns and water flows from the spigot. When friction causes it to wear out, water will dribble out around the valve handle. 

To diagnose this problem, turn off the water at the shut-off valves and remove the valve cartridge. The O-ring will be around the cartridge above the washers and the handle seat. 

What Causes Worn-Out Washers?

Washers are half of the mechanism that cuts off flow from a faucet. These rubber or neoprene washers press down into the valve seat to stop the water flow or pull away from the valve seat as the handle is turned for water. With every turn of the faucet handle, these devices wear down. After a few years of constant use, washers will wear out and allow water to seep past them and leak from the faucet. 

In most sinks, the washer is located at the lowest part of the valve cartridge. To replace them, remove the cartridge and the screw holding the washer. Replace with a washer of identical dimensions and reinstall.

Damaged Valve Seats 

Corroded valve seat showing signs of wear and pitting, relevant to faucet leak repairs and maintenance.Valve seats are the other half of the equation for fixing faucet leaks. After years of rubber and neoprene washers pressing into valve seats, these structures can build up corrosion or suffer from pitting. When the valve seat is compromised, the symptoms will be identical to a bad washer. Replacing the o-rings and washers in a faucet helps to replace the valve seats as well. By replacing all three simultaneously, the faucet will be as good as new. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned business offering tailored plumbing solutions. They serve residential and commercial customers and never charge after-hours fees. Call today for superior plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO. 

The Main Reasons Why Homeowners Shouldn't Ignore Dripping Faucets

the main reasons why homeowners shouldn't ignore dripping faucets

Dripping Faucets Are a Big Problem

Dripping faucets can occur anywhere in the home, from the kitchen sink to outdoor kitchens, to bathroom leaks. Not only are they annoying, but they can also cause serious damage to the home and plumbing if left unfixed.

Water from dripping faucets will also show up on homeowners’ water bills. Read on to learn more about the causes of dripping faucets, how to prevent them, and why ignoring dripping faucets isn’t a great idea for homeowners trying to save money.

Causes of Kitchen Sink Faucet Leaks

Kitchen sink faucets are larger than those found in bathrooms, as they are designed to not only wash hands, but also dishes, and be used in cooking, etc. They can have a number of different features and components, all of which can contribute to a dripping faucet.

Plumber repairing kitchen sink faucet under countertop, tools and equipment visible, addressing common plumbing issues.Some common causes of leaks in the kitchen sink faucet are:
  • Problem with the O ring: O rings are small discs located in stem screws, which are used to hold the faucet handles in place. When these become broken or worn, leaks can occur.
  • Corroded valve seat: A valve seat is what connects the handle to the spout, and water sediment can build up there and corrode the valve seat over time. To prevent this from happening, homeowners should periodically contact a professional plumber to clean the valve seat and avoid corrosion.
  • Problem with washer(s): This could be a worn-out washer or a washer that wasn’t installed correctly.

A dripping faucet in a working sink should be fixed quickly to avoid additional damage and incur extra costs for homeowners.

Causes of Bathroom Leaks

Anything that can cause a leak in the kitchen sink can also cause leaks in the bathroom sink faucet. If the leak is in the bathtub, it is most likely caused by a worn-out washer. This happens frequently because the washers in these faucets are made from plastic or rubber, which degrades over time as it comes into contact with water. The washer may have also been installed incorrectly.

Showerhead leaking water, illustrating common cause of bathroom leaks related to worn-out washers or improper installation.

In addition to these common causes, a number of other things might cause bathroom leaks or leaks in kitchen sinks, like worn-out cartridges or seals, loose parts, or even water pressure. Professional installation and maintenance is the best way to avoid the hassle of a leaking faucet.

The Big Issue: An Increased Water Bill

Piggy bank wearing blue swimming goggles against a blue background, symbolizing savings and the financial impact of water bill increases due to leaks.Dripping faucets may seem like a minor annoyance, but they waste gallons upon gallons of water each month. Per the EPA, “The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.”

Those wasted gallons will show up on the homeowner’s water bill--by some estimations, it can increase the water bill by up to 10%, wasting enough water to fill up a swimming pool. Thus, ignoring the issue is not free, and is not the best route for homeowners wanting to save money. Repairing dripping faucets is the easiest way to avoid an increased water bill, and save money in the long run.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is always ready to help homeowners with an emergency. Their friendly dispatchers and licensed plumbers are always available to diagnose and assess any plumbing system issues, including dripping faucets. They have been providing 24/7 service to Colorado Springs and surrounding areas since 1999.