What’s Causing Your Leaky Faucet? Info from a Plumber in Las Vegas, NV

Faucets are an important part of your home’s plumbing system. After all, they’re what delivers the water to you from your plumbing! If you have a leak in your faucet, not only will this be a nuisance as you’ll constantly hear the dripping, but it will drive up your water bill and potentially cause some significant damage depending on where the faucet is located.

The good news is, faucet repairs are relatively simple and inexpensive to perform. The longer you let the leak persist, however, the more likely it is you’ll needlessly drive up the cost of the repairs, as it will lead to other, more significant problems that you’ll have to resolve. Plus, you’ll waste a whole lot of water.

So, what are the most common causes of leaky faucets, and how do you prevent it from occurring? Here’s some information from a plumber in Las Vegas, NV:

• O-ring issues: Your faucet handle is held in place with the use of a stem screw, which features a small disc called an O ring. This is one of the most common places where a leak can occur. The O-ring may wear out over time, or become worn-out with regular use, which can result in dripping occurring near the handle of the faucet. Replacing the O-ring will likely fix this problem, which is most likely to be an issue with cartridge faucets.
• Bad washers: Another common cause of dripping faucet is a worn out or damaged washer. Every time you use the faucet, the washer gets pressed against the valve seat. This creates friction that, over a long period of time, can wear out the washer, which can result in dripping occurring near the spout. When you have a worn-out rubber washer, you can simply replace the washer, and you can find replacements for a low price at your local hardware store. This type of leak most commonly occurs in compression faucets.
• Corroded valve seats: A valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout inside the compression mechanism. As water sediment starts to build up in this area, it can result in the valve seat corroding, which can cause leaks around the spout. The valve seat should be regularly cleaned, and working with an experienced plumber to get that done can be extremely helpful.
• Improper washer installation: It’s not just worn out washers that can cause leaks—improperly installed washers can also result in leaks. This is most likely to be an issue after failed DIY jobs. If the washer is not the correct size or simply wasn’t placed properly, it’s a good idea to call in a professional who can get the job done correctly and help you avoid further issues with leaks.

For more information about the most common causes of leaky faucets, contact a plumber in Las Vegas, NV today with any questions you have. A leaky faucet is more than a nuisance—it’s a major source of water waste in your home and needs to be addressed fast.