A dripping faucet is one of those small annoyances that’s hard to ignore. You notice it when you walk past the sink or sit down to relax after a long day. The sound of water dripping, even at a slow pace, can be exasperating. But beyond the irritation, a leaky faucet can lead to bigger problems, including wasted water and higher bills.
So, why is your faucet suddenly dripping, and what can you do about it? In this blog, we’ll break down some common causes of leaky faucets, how to troubleshoot them, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Common Reasons Why Your Faucet Is Suddenly Dripping
When your faucet starts leaking out of nowhere, it’s tempting to let it slide and hope it stops on its own. However, there are a few common reasons for a dripping faucet, most of which will only get worse if left untreated. Here are some of the most typical causes of a faucet leak.
Worn Out O-Rings or Washers
So, what causes a leaking faucet? One of the most common reasons for a leaky faucet is worn-out O-rings or washers. These are small rubber rings that help form a tight seal inside your faucet. Over time, due to constant use, they can wear down or break, causing leaks around the base or spout.
Fortunately, replacing worn-out O-rings and washers is a straightforward fix and a good place to start when troubleshooting. You can find replacement parts at your local hardware store, and with a bit of patience, this can be a DIY job.
Valve Seat Corrosion
The valve seat is a part of your faucet that connects it to the spout, and it can corrode over time. This is especially common in homes with hard water, which carries minerals that can build up and cause corrosion. When the valve seat corrodes, water starts to seep through and creates a leak.
Cleaning or replacing the valve seat may be necessary to fix the leak. If you’re not familiar with plumbing repairs, calling in a professional plumber might be the safer bet to avoid damaging the faucet further.
Loose or Broken Parts
Another common reason why your faucet is suddenly dripping is loose or broken parts inside the faucet assembly. Over time, components such as the faucet handle, packing nut, or valve stem can loosen, which allows water to escape even when the faucet is turned off. In some cases, parts might actually be broken and need to be replaced.
If tightening these parts doesn’t stop the dripping water, the issue could be more complex, and you may want to call a plumber to diagnose the problem.
How a Dripping Faucet Affects Your Home
As you can see, there can be several different reasons for dripping faucets. It’s easy to ignore a slow drip, but a leaky faucet can cause more issues than just being a nuisance. Now that you have a better idea of what causes a leaking faucet, here’s why you shouldn’t delay fixing the problem.
Rising Water Bills
You might think that a few drops of water won’t add up, but even a slow leak can lead to a surprising amount of water waste. A faucet that drips once per second can waste up to gallons of water each day, which, over time, can considerably raise your water bills.
Fixing the leak can save you both water and money, and it’s better for the environment, too.
Potential Water Damage
Over time, a leaking faucet can cause water to pool around your sink or underneath your countertop, which can lead to water damage. This can cause wood to warp, paint to bubble, or mold and mildew to grow. Mildew growth not only smells bad but can also create health issues if left unchecked.
Taking care of a faucet leak early can help prevent more costly repairs down the line.
Faucet Damage
Allowing a leak to continue for too long can also damage the faucet itself. The constant presence of water can corrode parts like the valve seat or the faucet spout. In some cases, this could lead to the need for a full faucet replacement instead of a simple repair.
DIY or Call a Plumber?
Now that we’ve gone over what causes a leaking faucet, you might be wondering if you should attempt to fix it yourself or call a professional. If the problem is something simple, like a worn washer or O-ring, you might feel confident tackling it on your own. But if your faucet is older or the problem is more complicated, a professional plumber will make sure the job is done right.
Remember, ignoring a dripping faucet can lead to water damage, so it’s better to act sooner rather than later. If you’re unsure about handling it yourself, PGA Inc. offers reliable plumbing services. Whether it’s tightening a few loose parts or replacing a broken valve stem, our plumbers in Wausau, WI, can help resolve your faucet issue quickly and efficiently.
Schedule Plumbing Services With PGA Inc. Today!
“Why is my faucet dripping?” If you were asking this question, hopefully, you have an answer. Ultimately, there are several common causes for a faucet to start leaking out of the blue. Sometimes, it’s a quick fix that just needs a trip to the local hardware store. Other times, it might be more complicated and could require professional help.
Is that annoying faucet drip keeping you up at night? If so, it’s time to take action. Whether you need help diagnosing the problem or replacing worn-out parts, the experienced team at PGA Inc. is happy to assist you. Our experienced Wausau plumbers have the skills and tools to fix the problem.
Now that you know what causes a leaking faucet, stop letting faucet leaks drive up your water bills and cause damage to your home. Contact us today to schedule your service in Wausau, WI, or one of the surrounding areas!
