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That leaking faucet that seems harmless now can end up wasting hundreds of gallons of water per year if left untreated. Here we will examine the causes of leaky faucets, signs you should replace your plumbing fixtures, and provide tips on how to prevent leaks in the future.
Ayotte Plumbing is your faucet, fixture, and sink installation and repair expert. For questions, concerns, emergency services call us today!
WHAT CAUSES LEAKY FAUCETS?
Our customers are often surprised when we tell them that there’s a myriad of reasons behind their leaking faucet. From worn O-rings to improperly installed washers, your faucet leak stems from a variety of sources.
Here’s a quick list of some of the more common reasons your faucet is leaking:
- High Water Pressure: Faucets are designed in such a way that they stop the pressurized water that flows into your plumbing until you turn or lift the knob on your faucet. If there is too much water pressure in your home, this can force the water out past the various controls, most of which may be designed for a much lower pressure.
- Hard Water: When your water supply has a high concentration of hard mineral particles, you will notice limescale buildup that leads to more problems with your fixtures. This buildup can force components like O-rings, valve seats, and seals out of place, which can lead to leaks.
- Thermal Expansion: Water expands when it reaches a point just above freezing. This can affect the more pliable components of your faucet that can result in leaking.
- Improper Washer Installation: Washers are designed to keep excess water at bay, but an improperly installed washer or one that doesn't fit right can allow small amounts of water to escape.
What Can You Do to Avoid Problems in the Future?
These are just a few examples of what we can do to prevent leaky faucets and fixtures. We can work with you to address your specific problem and get your plumbing system back to providing uninterrupted water flow to your kitchen and bath.
We can help you prevent leaking faucets and fixtures with a few adjustments:
- Replace old copper supply tubes to your faucets with steel braided supply lines, which can reduce the effects of hard water.
- Reduce your water line's pressure to a range that keeps leaks at bay.
- Replace old seals, valve seats, and other components that can create leaks.
- Reseat or properly reinstall your faucets and fixtures if they were installed incorrectly.
- Install insulation, new pipes, and active heating to prevent the cold from causing thermal expansion within your faucets and fixtures.
