Five Causes of a Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet isn’t just an annoyance. It can also waste much more water per day — and quite a bit more per year — than you realize. A nifty water drip calculator from the US Geological Service Water Science School estimates that one faucet dripping once per second wastes five gallons per day. If you have a kitchen sink, that same drip rate on both sinks adds up to more than 4,100 gallons per year! Time to call your Sacramento plumbing specialists.
Leaky Faucet Causes
But before you pick up the phone to Ace Plumbing, let’s take a quick look at the common causes of leaky faucets.
Improper Installation
Remember that DIY job you were so proud of because it saved you a call to the plumber? Here’s where that savings comes back to bite you. The best-intentioned homeowners often try to fix a problem themselves only to botch the job — or, ironically, to fix one problem perfectly only to cause another. Call a plumber. We get it right the first time.
Worn Cartridge
Modern faucets are usually an assembly, called a cartridge, which is made up multiple parts. As those parts are used and as they age, they can loosen or wear, and that activity results in leaks.
Loose or Worn Parts
Several components in the cartridge are made of rubber or silicone that won’t last forever even if the rest of the housing is in good shape. If a washer isn’t seated properly, an O-ring has worn or cracked, or a seal has failed, you’re going to have a leak.
High Water Pressure
Nobody likes taking a low-pressure shower, but too much pressure also causes problems. Your plumbing can only handle so much pressure, and if it’s too high, water can be forced out through a weak point like your faucet or toilet overflow tank. Since we don’t suggest adjusting your own water pressure, it’s best to give us a call.
Broken Pipes
Sometimes the drip isn’t at the faucet. If you’re noticing water under your bathroom or kitchen sink, the first thing to do is check the gaskets around the faucet; sometimes the problem is water getting splashed around the fixture or drain and then dripping down. If the gaskets are intact and the faucet isn’t dripping, have a plumber check your pipes.
Fixing Leaky Faucets
If you’re not sure what to look for (or what to do once you’ve found it) fixing a leaky faucet feels less like a repair and more like a game of whack-a-mole. You end up feeling like you’ve replaced half your bathroom or kitchen and you’ve still got a leaky sink.
So what can you do? Go for the simple fix: call your Sacramento plumbing pros at Ace Plumbing at 916-455-4548. We’ll troubleshoot the problem and get your faucet back to perfect working order or advise on installing new plumbing fixtures. We should also be on speed dial for other common plumbing issues!