Pro Tips on How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Common Causes of Faucet Leaks

Before exploring the pro tips on fixing a leaky faucet, it is essential to understand what can cause it.

• Corroded Valve Seats: One of the leading causes of faucet leaks is corroded valve seats. Over time, the constant flow and pressure of water can cause corrosion, which is often seen in older faucets and water with high mineral content.
• Deteriorated Rubber Washers: Rubber washers and seals can harden over time and lose their elasticity. In some instances, they can even break, leading to leaks.
• Loose O-rings: O-rings are crucial for providing the waterproof seal needed in faucet parts. If an O-ring becomes loose or weakens from constant use, it can lead to leaks.
• Water Pressure: Water pressure is another common reason for faucet leaks. You should especially pay attention to the pressure of your water when the faucet drips occasionally or only when you turn the handle a certain way.
• Loose or Broken Parts: All the above parts can become loose or break over time. In the same cases, the internal mechanism of the faucet might even break, resulting in constant faucet leaks for the homeowner.

DIY Leak Repairs

Here are some pro tips on how you can fix a leaky faucet by yourself:

• Identify Leak Source: Yes, the faucet is leaking, but from where? Homeowners must identify precisely where the drip is coming from. It can be from the base of the faucet spout, the spout outlet, under the handle, or many other locations.
• Replace the Aerator: If you are experiencing dripping from the faucet spout, replacing or cleaning the aerator might solve your problem. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet spout and inspect it to see if any debris or mineral deposits can obstruct the water flow and lead to drips. Try cleaning to see how effective it is, or replace it entirely at a low cost.
• Replace Worn Washers and O-rings: If the drip persists after cleaning the aerator, next is replacing worn rubber O-rings. Shut off the hot and cold water supply valves and disassemble the handles and valve components. Look for worn O-rings around the cartridge cylinder or flattened washers inside the valve seats. Replace the O-rings and reassemble the parts.
• Loose Mounting Nuts and Bolts: If water is dripping around the base of the faucet spout where it connects to the sink, the problem is most likely due to loose mounting nuts or bolts. Try to tighten these areas and use a watertight seal.
• Replace Supply Hoses: Faulty supply hoses connecting the faucet to the water supply valves under the sink can also cause leaks. Inspect the supply hoses for any damage indication and replace damaged parts with higher-quality material.
• Call A Plumber: Most basic faucet leaks are manageable as DIY projects for homeowners. However, specific issues can be too complex that they should be left to professional plumbers. If you tried everything but couldn’t fix the leaky faucets, call a professional to get a faucet repair soon.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing (Killeen, TX)

Are you looking for a professional plumbing service to help with your leaky faucets? At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are your locally owned and operated plumbing company. With our affordable price plans, exceptional customer service, and upfront flat-rate pricing, we are here for you. Call us today to learn more about us and our services, or get estimates for your next leak detection right away.