Why Your Faucet is Dripping Water & How to Fix It
Your faucet is going to help you get a lot done during the day. It can be used to wash the dishes, grab a drink or water, and even to keep the house clean. But when you turn it off, you want to make sure that the faucet is completely off and that it is not going to drip water and cost you a lot of money over time. If you do notice that your faucet is dripping water, you may want to know some of the common reasons this is happening and how you can fix it.
There are several reasons why your faucet may be dripping water. According to the experts at Front Range Water Heater and Excavation, a Plumber in Loveland, CO, these can include the faucet not being completely turned off, a worn washer or o-ring, a corroded valve seal, the water pressure into the home, mineral build up and hard water deposits, or an improper installation of the faucet in the first place. Fixing these problems is generally easy and can help you avoid this in the future.
No matter what is wrong with the faucet in your home, it is a good idea to look for the problem and use the right solution to get it fixed as soon as possible. Let’s take a closer look at some of these common faucet problems and how we can get them fixed.
Why Do I See My Faucet Leaking?
There are a lot of reasons why the faucet is leaking or dripping water. Figuring out the root cause of this and getting it rectified as soon as possible can save you a ton of money in the long run. Some of the main reasons that the faucet is leaking includes:
- The faucet is not completely turned off: Go back and check whether you turned the faucet enough to have it all turned off. A slight bit can be enough to keep the water running and cause a mess. Turn both knobs to check this one.
- A worn out O-ring or washer: One of the more common reasons for a faucet that is dripping is that the O-ring or the washer is worn out. These parts will wear down and can’t create the seal that they should, which can result in the water dripping out of the faucet. Luckily, this is something that you can fix on your own if you choose.
- Corroded valve seal: If figuring out the O-ring or the washer doesn’t help, then it is time to look at the valve seal. This is going to be the connection that is there between the spout and the supply of the plumbing. If enough sediment builds up, this can corrode and cause a leak. Cleaning it out can help, but you may need to replace the part if it gets bad enough.
- Water pressure: This one may seem a little strange, but it is possible that the water pressure could be a cause. If you notice that the water is escaping from the faucet more often during some of your peak hours, then the water pressure is likely the problem. This could potentially lead to other problems around the home, so calling in a professional plumber to take a look and fix it is a good option.
- Mineral build up or hard water deposits: It is possible that some water deposits or mineral build-up could be the reason that your faucet is dripping. Hard water is going to have more minerals in it compared to soft water. These can begin to accumulate inside the faucet and will prevent good seals in different components. They will wear out faster than before and you will either need to replace them or have to worry with the leak. Switching to soft water or adding a filter can help.
- Improper installation: When you do not get the faucet installed properly, it is much harder to keep leaks away. If you tried to do it on your own, then looking for where it is not hooked up well can help. If you can’t get this to work well, then asking for some help or calling in a professional plumber to do the work could help get it on right and prevent some of the leaking.
Taking Good Care of Your Plumbing
Sometimes, the reason for a leaky faucet is simple, and you will be able to take care of it all on your own. Other times, the problem can be more severe and you need assistance to get it all done. Our team will be here to help take care of a leaking faucet and any other plumbing problem that you may have at that time. With the help of one of our professionals, you will be able to take good care of all your plumbing and help it last way longer than before.
Additional Faucet Information and Resources
To help you better understand and maintain your faucets, we’ve compiled some additional information and resources. These will assist you in identifying issues, performing basic maintenance, and knowing when to call a professional.
Common Faucet Types and Their Issues
| Faucet Type | How It Works | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Uses rubber washers to seal the valve seat | Worn washers leading to drips |
| Cartridge | Uses a movable stem cartridge to control water flow | O-ring wear, cartridge failure |
| Ball | Uses a ball to control water flow and temperature | Worn O-rings, springs, or valve seats |
| Ceramic Disc | Uses ceramic discs to create a watertight seal | Sediment buildup, cracked discs (rare) |
DIY vs Professional Repair Cost Comparison
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Washer Replacement | $5 – $10 | $100 – $200 |
| Cartridge Replacement | $10 – $30 | $150 – $300 |
| Full Faucet Replacement | $50 – $150 | $250 – $500+ |
Note: Costs are estimates and may vary based on location and specific faucet models.
Tools Needed for Basic Faucet Repair
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Pliers
- Penetrating oil (like WD-40)
- Replacement parts (washers, O-rings, etc.)
- Plumber’s tape
- Allen wrench set
- Utility knife
Remember to turn off the water supply before starting any repair!
Signs of More Serious Plumbing Problems
- Persistent low water pressure
- Water discoloration
- Strange noises in pipes
- Slow draining in multiple fixtures
- Sewage odors
- Consistently high water bills
- Wet spots on walls or ceilings
- Cracks in foundation
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult a professional plumber.
Water Hardness Scale
| Classification | Grains per Gallon (GPG) | Parts per Million (PPM) | Effect on Plumbing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0 – 1 | 0 – 17.1 | Minimal |
| Slightly Hard | 1 – 3.5 | 17.1 – 60 | Slight buildup over time |
| Moderately Hard | 3.5 – 7 | 60 – 120 | Noticeable buildup, occasional clogs |
| Hard | 7 – 10.5 | 120 – 180 | Significant buildup, frequent clogs |
| Very Hard | 10.5+ | 180+ | Severe buildup, appliance damage likely |
Preventive Faucet Maintenance Schedule
- Weekly: Wipe down faucets and handles to prevent mineral buildup
- Monthly: Check for leaks and drips
- Quarterly: Clean aerators and check water pressure
- Bi-annually: Inspect supply lines and valves for wear
- Annually:
- Tighten all connections
- Replace washers or cartridges if needed
- Descale faucets in hard water areas
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your faucets and prevent costly repairs.