Why is My Faucet Leaking?

Faucets are an important fixture in any home, giving you access to clean water for drinking and cleaning. Keeping them in working condition is imperative for you and your household’s comfort and health. Leaky faucets can not only be frustrating, but add unneeded costs to your water bill. Before your dripping fixture becomes a bigger problem, try to figure out the source of the issue.

Faulty O-Ring

The handle of your faucet is held in place with a stem screw, which has a small disc attached to it known as the “O-ring.” This O-ring is one of the most likely places for a leak to occur. Over time, and through regular usage, the O-ring can become loose or slowly wear out, causing the faucet to drip near the handle. If this is your issue, repair is as simple as replacing the damaged O-ring.

Buildup of Sediment

Water naturally contains small amounts of mineral sediment, including calcium and iron. This sediment can build up over years, eventually causing a number of problems. A common cause of leakage is sediment corroding valve seals or other internal parts of the faucet, causing them to wear out and allow water to drip out of or around the spout. The valve and seals should be regularly examined by a professional to make sure they are replaced before any problems occur.

Loose Parts

Constant use can wear down any machine or assembly, especially when there’s water running through it. Due to continuous usage, any number of parts in your faucet might become loose. The adjusting ring and packing nuts are located near the handle and easily loosen after years of daily use. A repair can be as simple as tightening the loose parts, but there’s also a chance you’ll need to replace them completely.

Broken Plumbing

If your leakage is coming from somewhere other than the faucet itself, you might have a bigger problem on your hands. A possible, but uncommon, cause of a faulty faucet is a broken pipe or fitting. A buildup of sediment, or just an old plumbing system, can lead to pipes developing small cracks that can both interfere with water pressure and cause occasional leaking. If you can’t find the cause of your leak anywhere near the faucet itself, check the pipes underneath the sink.

Heating and Plumbing Services in Seattle

South West Plumbing was founded more than 35 years ago by Bill and Connie Buckingham out of their home, with just one truck. Today we have more than 40 trucks and serve clients across King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. All South West Plumbing plumbers are fully certified and come prepared for every job. Contact us today for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week service for all your plumbing or heating needs!