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.
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:
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.
The most common faucet repair scenarios you will face when you go to fix a leaky faucet include:
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.
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.
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.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.