How to Fix a Dripping Faucet to Save Water and Money
A faucet that keeps dripping water is not only annoying but also harmful to the environment because of all the water it wastes. Plus, it adds to your water bill each month. Taking time to pinpoint the culprit is essential so that you can choose the best repair method. Keep reading to learn why this problem develops in most homes and how to go about fixing it correctly.
The Rubber Washer Is Worn Out
Every time you use the faucet, a small rubber washer rubs up against a metal valve seat. It does this to seal off or open up the flow of water. After you use the faucet for years, the constant friction between the washer and valve seat may cause the soft rubber to harden, crack or tear. When this happens, the washer can no longer effectively seal off the water supply, which is why you’ll see water dripping even when the handle is in the off position. This type of problem comes with a super simple fix: Just replace the worn-out rubber washer.
The Valve Seat Is Corroded
If you replace the rubber washer, but the faucet is still dripping water, there’s a good chance that corrosion has damaged the valve seat. This is especially common in homes with hard water. The natural sediments in the water act like sandpaper, gradually scratching and eroding the smooth metal surface that the washer needs to create a tight seal with the valve seat. A plumber may be able to grind the seat smooth again to restore the faucet’s normal operation without dripping, or you may need a full replacement. It depends on the extent of the damage.
The O-Ring Has Become Damaged
There’s another small rubber piece on the faucet that’s known as an O-ring. It fits tightly around the faucet’s internal stem to keep water from seeping out around the handle when you turn it to the On position. But just like the rubber washer, the O-ring tends to wear out after years of using the faucet. It will usually either stretch so loose that it can no longer create a watertight seal or snap off altogether. Fortunately, this is another mechanical problem that is easy and inexpensive to fix: Simply replace the O-ring.
Letting a plumber inspect the faucet is usually the best way to pinpoint the actual problem and choose the best repair method. They have the skills and know-how to quickly identify the root cause and recommend the most cost-effective solution. When you need faucet replacement services in Berkeley, CA, contact LJ Kruse.