Plumbing Leakage Tips: Ways to Prevent a Leaky Faucet?

San Rafael

(415) 942-6565

Santa Rosa

(707) 452-3464

Leaking faucets can cause a tremendous waste of water that you pay for with your hard-earned money. It is also a constant annoyance for homeowners to have to deal with. If left untreated, this issue can lead to gallons of wasted water as well as mold growth on and around your fixtures. A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, with a faucet that leaks at a rate of one drip per second, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The good news is it is not necessarily required to have a professional plumber be the one to repair a dripping faucet. In this article, we will go over the signs and causes of a leaking faucet, how you can fix a leaky faucet on your own, and how to prevent faucet drips in the future.

Causes and Signs of a Leaking Faucet

Aside from a constant dripping sound, some other signs that you need to fix a leaky faucet can include water pooling around the fixture, a noisy handle, the faucet being loose or wobbly, water stains or mold around the appliance, or inexplicably high water bills.

The most common reasons for a dripping faucet are:

  • Worn-out components within the faucet mechanism, such as inlet and outlet seals in the faucet cartridges, O-rings, and gaskets that otherwise maintain a waterproof seal.
  • Excessively high water pressure.
  • Loose or damaged washer.
  • Corrosion or buildup from mineral deposits in the valve seat.
  • Heat, moisture, temperature fluctuations, mold, and movement wear down faucet parts over time.

Preparing for Leaky Faucet Repair

Faucet types

There are different types of bathroom and kitchen faucets that can vary slightly in how you go about repair, but most of the basic layout will be the same. For kitchen faucets, there is the compression faucet, ceramic disk, cartridge faucets, or ball-type. A compression faucet is typically used in older homes and features hot and cold handles. Cartridge faucets have a relatively simple mechanism, which makes them easy to repair. Ceramic disks are more durable and require less maintenance. A ball faucet utilizes a ball in the body of the faucet to control water flow. Bathroom faucets typically have similar components.

Tools and materials needed

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Utility knife
  • Adjustable pliers and wrenches
  • Replacement parts, such as faucet cartridges, O-rings, and gaskets
  • Plumber’s grease
  • Towel/rag

Step-by-step repair process for kitchen and bathroom faucets

  1. Shut off the water supply at the water shut-off valves. There should be water supply valves located under the sink. After you’ve turned the valve, test the faucet to be sure no water comes out. if you can’t find the valve for this specific sink, you can shut off the main water valve to the house.
  2. Plug or block the drain, and set a towel down under the sink to catch any small faucet parts once you have your faucet disassembled.
  3. Next, you’ll take apart the faucet assembly. How this is done will depend on what type of faucet you have. It is important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to disassemble the specific faucet you are repairing. You will usually start by removing the decorative caps on the faucet handles before removing the handles themselves. You can dismantle the securing hardware using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
  4. Remove the valve seat and inspect the parts inside. This includes the O-rings, the valve stem, the seat washer, and the gaskets. Inspect all the parts as you take them out, looking for signs of damage or corrosion. make sure you organize the parts carefully so you know how to put them back in the correct order and set aside the old cartridge, O-ring, or whatever part is being replaced.
  5. After you have found which component is causing the drip in the sink, it’s time to find a replacement part. You will usually be able to find parts at your local hardware store unless you have an uncommon faucet. You should take the old parts with you to the store just to be sure you are getting the correct part and size.
  6. With the new parts, reassemble the faucet and the handles. Use the plumber’s grease to secure O-rings, and be sure to place the valve cartridge straight up. Use an adjustable wrench to secure everything back together. Make sure you don’t tighten the screws too much since this could damage the more delicate parts of the faucet.
  7. Unplug the drain, turn the water supply back on, and test the faucet for leaks. You will want to turn the valve back on slowly to keep the pressure easy on the new parts and let the water run for a moment to flush out any debris that might have gathered in the faucet.

The most common faucet repair scenarios you will face when you go to fix a leaky faucet include:

  • Replacing a worn-out O-ring or gasket.
  • Fixing a loose or damaged washer.
  • Replacing a faulty faucet cartridge.
  • Repairing a leaky faucet ball-type.

Dripping Faucet Cost and DIY Repair Considerations

The cost to repair a leaky faucet depends on the faucet’s type, the replacement parts needed, and whether you hire a plumber. Labor costs can vary from one plumber to the next, but in most cases, the maximum you’ll pay per hour is $200. The cost of parts depends on the type of faucet and the severity of the problem. Things like O-rings, valve seats, gaskets, and washers will only be a few dollars or more if you get a pack, but cartridges, hoses, valve stems, and disks can range from $10 to $100.

Performing a leaky faucet repair yourself can save money compared to hiring a local plumber. DIY repairs only require the cost of replacement parts and basic tools, if needed. However, hiring a pro ensures the job is done correctly and can identify other costly plumbing issues.

If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs or if the water drip is significant, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Plumbers have the expertise and experience to diagnose and fix a leaky faucet, so you can be assured that your issue will be repaired by a licensed professional with all of the latest equipment. Their knowledge can also provide insights into maintaining faucet health and preventing future issues.

Getting at least three estimates from reputable plumbers can help you find the best price if you are planning on hiring someone for the job. If you want to try doing it yourself, borrowing tools can also help save money.

Preventing Future Faucet Leaks

The best way to get ahead of a leaky faucet is to do what you can to prevent most leaks from happening. Regularly check your faucets for signs of leaks or wear and tear, and always act immediately if something looks amiss to stop a dripping tap and minimize water waste.

  • One of the most important factors in preventing leaks is to make sure a new faucet is installed properly to begin with. If you are doing this yourself, you will need a faucet repair kit, and be sure you are connecting and tightening all of the water supply valves and lines correctly. The best option is hiring a licensed plumber to do a new faucet installation job.
  • Maintenance is an important thing for any plumbing appliance. Regularly clean your sink and faucet with soap and water or a baking soda and vinegar solution to prevent mineral buildup. Check on the seals and gaskets and replace them when they are getting worn out.
  • Make sure that your water pressure isn’t too high so that it doesn’t cause damage to the faucet.
  • Always replace with brand new parts if you are replacing any faulty parts of the faucet.
  • Perform regular visual inspections of your faucet to ensure all of the seals are still in good condition.
  • Check on the status of the aerators so that they can keep the pressure going into the faucet spout.
  • Tighten all of the components of the assembly if any of them appear loose.

It is imperative to fix a leaky bathroom or kitchen faucet as soon as possible. Most homeowners can easily DIY a typical leaky faucet repair with the right instructions and tools, but it is a good idea to call on professionals if you are unsure about the repair process or if you want to be positive the job gets done correctly and without as many risks. The best way to avoid the need for faucet repairs is to take the proper precautions and maintenance steps to avoid issues and catch any possible problems before they can grow.

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San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464