A dripping faucet can become a significant nuisance, producing an irritating sound and potentially staining bathroom fixtures if left unrepaired. Such leaks are a common issue in many homes. Addressing this problem promptly is crucial; a faucet that drips once per second can lead to a waste of five gallons of water daily. We will explore various faucet types and provide guidance on repairing leaks to prevent water wastage and maintain your home’s tranquility.

Faucet Types

When dealing with a leaky faucet, the first step is to identify the type of faucet installed, as this knowledge vastly simplifies the repair process. Understanding your faucet’s design is crucial for pinpointing an effective solution to the leakage. Faucets generally fall into three categories based on their internal construction: rotary ball, cartridge, and ceramic disk. Each type has a unique mechanism for regulating water flow and temperature, leading to different common issues. By determining your faucet’s specific type, you can more accurately navigate the repair process. Now, let’s explore each faucet variety in detail:

Rotary Ball Faucets

For this type of faucet, the rotary ball rotates within the socket which controls the water flow and temperature. The hollow ball can be made of plastic or stainless steel. These faucets are easy to fix as they have a simple construction with a ball and an O-Ring. Usually, when there is a leak on this type of faucet it means that the O-Ring is worn out.

Rotary ball faucets have a single handle which moves around the rounded base so it can control the temperature and the flow of water. These faucets are used for kitchen or bathroom sinks. It is important to find the name of the manufacturer on your faucet which will help you determine the best way to fix it.

Cartridge Faucets

These faucets are quite common and may feature either a single handle or a pair, allowing for the adjustment of water flow and temperature with an upward or downward motion. Internally, this faucet design is somewhat more complex, incorporating O-rings at each end that regulate water flow and temperature. Often, leaks from the base of a cartridge faucet can be traced back to these O-rings. Furthermore, hard water poses a significant threat to all faucet types, as mineral accumulation within the cartridge can lead to substantial damage.

Ceramic Disc Faucets

These faucets are built to last, utilizing ceramic discs for water flow control, which significantly enhances their durability. Rarely do they necessitate repairs, thanks to the durability of the ceramic discs. Typically found in kitchen sinks and modern fixtures, ceramic disc faucets are designed for ease of use. They require minimal effort to operate, making them ideal for individuals with mobility challenges. Furthermore, their operation doesn’t demand much pressure, reducing wear and tear and extending their lifespan.

Compression

Typically, these are older faucets requiring two handles to regulate water flow, where each handle must be fully turned for operation. Commonly found in outdoor settings or utility sinks, these compression faucets also appear in some older homes, serving bathtubs or sinks. The design includes a rubber washer prone to wear and tear, leading to leaks. However, replacing this washer is a straightforward process that effectively repairs the faucet.

Causes of Leaky Faucets

Identifying the type of faucet you have is the first step in repairing a leak. Leaky faucets stem from a handful of common issues, hence pinpointing the source of the leak is crucial for an effective fix. Below are some common reasons behind faucet leaks:

• Loose parts:

Faucets are composed of multiple small parts that work together so that water can flow. Over time, these parts can get worn out. If your faucet leaks close to the base, it could be related to your adjusting ring or a loose packing nut. You will need to remove the handle on a rotary ball faucet and tighten the adjusting ring. If you still have a leak after the adjusting ring has been tightened, you may have to get the springs or seals replaced. Also, make sure to check the area around the sink so you can ensure that the water is not leaking under the fixture as well.

• O-rings that are worn out:

An O-ring is a rubber gasket that is used to seal gaps between the cartridge and internal parts in cartridge faucets. O-rings wear down over time and need to be replaced. Once an O-ring has degraded, it can cause leaks at the base of your faucet, or you may have issues with your cold and hot water mixing. You can easily inspect an O-ring by removing the cartridge. Check the condition of the O-ring as well as the cartridge to determine what needs to be replaced. You can check with your local hardware store if you need help and advice.

• Issues with your washer:

If you notice your water is dripping directly from the spout of the faucet, you may be dealing with a worn washer. Washers press against the valve system of the faucet every time the water turns on. Over time, the repetitive motion will cause the washer to wear out. If you have a slow drip from the faucet spout, getting the washer replaced can fix your leaky faucet. Some faucets may also have a rubber seal that can wear out and cause a leak.

• Water pressure and other issues:

If you have a leaky faucet that isn’t caused by one of the issues we described above, you may have a more serious issue. If you’ve done all the troubleshooting to fix a leaky faucet, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of the leak. If not, then you need to contact a plumbing professional.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet Yourself

You can easily fix a leaky faucet yourself, especially if you just need to replace a washer or a rubber O-ring. Here are the steps to avoid major water damage:

• Figure out your faucet type: First, you need to figure out if you have a cartridge, ball, ceramic disk, or a compression faucet. This will help you find the correct parts for the repair. It is also helpful to know the manufacturer and model of your faucet (you can find this information on your fixture).

• Shut off the water supply before you put apart your faucet: Use the turn-off valve below the sink. Shut off the cold and hot valves. Also, put a stopper in the sink.

• Remove the knob caps: These are found on the face of the knob, and they can easily come off if you use a flat-head screwdriver. Once the screw has been exposed, you can unscrew the faucet handle.

• Loosen the packing nut and stem: For this portion of the job, you will need to use pliers or a wrench to loosen the packing nut and the stem. Do this slowly so you do not damage them.

• Do a thorough inspection of the rubber O-ring: If the O-ring is degraded, make sure to replace it.

• Inspect the washer located in the valve seat: If there is damage to your washer, it will need to be replaced.

• Put your faucet back together and turn the water back on: Make sure to turn on the faucet so that you can see if the leak has been fixed. If the leak is still there, you will need to contact a professional plumber so they can assist you.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

If you have experienced water damage at your home or business, do not hesitate to call a water damage restoration professional. These technicians use the proper equipment and techniques to clean, dry, and restore your property back to its original state. Even a minor leak from a faucet can cause major damage if the water is allowed to spread and get absorbed into the surrounding porous materials, so do not hesitate to call a water restoration contractor.