Leaky Faucet? Check For These 3 Common Problems
A leaky faucet is one of the most irritating plumbing problems to experience. Along with being frustrating, a faulty faucet also wastes water and can increase your next water bill.
Luckily, not all faucet leaks are caused by major problems. If your faucet is leaking and you are unsure of what is causing the issue, a full replacement isn’t always necessary. Three potential solutions include replacing faulty O-rings, damaged washer, or leaking disc cartridge.
Three simple fixes for a leaky faucet
Before spending money on a whole new fixture, there are a few things you should check that can be fixed relatively easily and affordably.
1. Faulty O-rings
O-rings are small rubber rings typically found around the valve stem of the faucet. A telltale sign of a faulty O-ring is a faucet that leaks beneath the handle. In this case, a simple replacement O-ring should be enough to stop the drip.
Occasionally, two O-rings located around the spout base of the faucet also need to be replaced. If you remove the spout base and find pitting, the faucet itself will need to be replaced.
2. Damaged washer
Faucets with a constant drip or making a chattering sound have typically fallen victim to a damaged or loose washer. The seat washer screw likely needs to be replaced in this scenario.
3. Leaking disc cartridge and worn seals
The disc cartridge in a faucet controls the flow of water and turns the water on and off. Because they are frequently in use, the disc cartridge and seals are prone to wearing out. Sediment can also build up on faucet seals, leading to premature wear and tear on the faucet components. Most plumbers clean water sediment from the seals as part of routine maintenance schedules.
When to call a plumber for a leaky faucet
If you’ve tried troubleshooting the problem and can’t find the solution, or nothing is working to stop the faucet from leaking, you should call a professional to take a look at the situation. At Emergency Plumbing & Solar, we proudly serve Oahu and Maui, and are here to help with all your plumbing issues, large and small. Call us today at (808) 691-9309.
