It's not easy to deal with a dripping faucet since it can waste an incredible amount of water and can be costly. Even a minor leak can waste up to hundreds of gallons of water every year.
A larger faucet leak can waste more than thirty gallons of water every day. In addition, these leaks can also cause other issues, such as:
- It can stain sink surfaces
- It can waste energy
- It can corrode drains
- It can impact plumbing lines
Fortunately, you can avoid these issues and prevent your faucets from dripping by determining the factors that cause faucets to leak and ways to fix them.
8 Factors That Cause Faucets to Drip
Here are some vital factors that are the culprits of leaky faucets:
Cartridge is Damaged
A cartridge faucet has two handles - one for hot and one for cold water. The cartridge is the valve attached to each handle, allowing them to control the water flow into the faucet spout. A damaged cartridge can be the culprit if your faucet is dripping.
Broken Washers
A broken washer is one of the most common causes of a leaky faucet. These washers rest against the valve seat of the faucet. Over time, they are worn out because of friction, causing faucets to drip. A washer of the wrong size or one that is not installed properly can also cause faucets to leak.
Water Pressure
If your bathroom's faucet only drips water during specific times or when its handles move in a certain direction, your home's water pressure might be causing the leak.
O-Ring is Worn Out
An o-ring is a small plumbing part attached to the sink’s faucet via a screw to hold the handle in place. Over time, like washers, this component is worn out, causing the faucets to drip.
Valve Seat is Corroded
A valve seat is a vital part of a faucet that connects it to the spout. Over time, mineral deposits form in the valve seat and erode it. It later causes the faucet to leak.
Ways to Fix a Dripping Faucet
Now that you know what factors cause faucets to drip, take a look at some essential tips to fix a dripping faucet:
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Turn off the Water
One of the most basic steps to fixing a dripping faucet is to shut off the main water supply line. If you don't do that, your bathroom floor could get flooded.
Find the shutoff valve usually located under the sink and turn it off. If your faucet does not have any shutoff valve, you need to turn off the main supply line.
Once you've turned it off, make sure you check it by turning on the faucet and waiting for a few seconds to check whether or not the water comes out.
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Disassemble the Handle
After turning off the water supply line, detach the faucet handle. You can do this by using either a screwdriver or the Allen wrench. Some faucets have a cap over the screw. Before unscrewing the handle, remove the cap using a utility knife or a screwdriver.
Keep in mind different fixtures require different ways to disassemble. A flathead screwdriver can be handy for regular fixtures to remove their handle caps.
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Remove the Valve Stem
Once you’ve detached the faucet, the next step if find the cartridge and remove it. Note that if you have a compression faucet, you can find a brass valve stem and unscrew it.
On the other hand, you can simply pull it out if you have a cartridge faucet. If you find it tough to detach, refer to your faucet guide or search for methods on the internet.
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Inspect the Tank
Once all the components are removed, inspect them to understand where the problem lies. Determine which component needs to be replaced. You will get to inspect washers, seals, and O-rings.
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Replace the Damaged Components
While inspecting the components, check if they are damaged or worn out. If you find any, consider replacing them immediately. Visit a nearby hardware shop to purchase the parts you need.
If you are unsure about what parts to buy, the best way is to take the damaged ones alongside and buy similar components.
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Clean the Valves
After removing the cartridge or stem, check the valve body to find any sediment. Make sure you properly clean the valve seat by following these steps:
- Pour vinegar over the cartridge
- Let it rest for three to five minutes
- Brush the cartridge and other components of the sink using an old toothbrush
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Reassemble the Faucet
Once you’re done with the cleaning process, reassemble the faucet in reverse order by following these steps:
- Pull the valve stem before inserting the cartridge. Remember, you might need to twist the cartridge to make it align with the brass retainer clip.
- Rotate the cartridge using needle-nose pliers.
- Roll the brass clip into the valve body so the cartridge stays in place.
- Find the tiny notch on the stem and rotate it until the notch comes to the front side.
- Reassemble the remaining components and reattach the faucet handle.
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Test the Faucet
It is never a good idea to conclude a plumbing project without testing the work. This is crucial since a minor error can cause big problems.
Once you have reassembled the faucet, turn on the water supply and open both cold and hot water faucets. You should immediately see water coming out of the faucets with little air.
Once all the air is pushed out of the faucet, turn it off and check the handles for leaks. If you don't find any leak, you have done the job. However, if you do find any leak, you have not assembled the faucet correctly, or there is a damaged part that needs replacing.
Final Words
A dripping faucet can be challenging and annoying for homeowners. It can waste a significant amount of water, raising your water bills. Various factors can cause a faucet to drip, such as water pressure, broken washers, damaged cartridge, etc. If you have a leaky faucet in your home that you find tough to deal with, try the methods mentioned above.
You can also contact Mesa Plumbing Company for high-quality professional plumbing service.