Dripping Faucets Are a Big Problem
Dripping faucets can occur anywhere in the home, from the kitchen sink to outdoor kitchens, to bathroom leaks. Not only are they annoying, but they can also cause serious damage to the home and plumbing if left unfixed.
Water from dripping faucets will also show up on homeowners’ water bills. Read on to learn more about the causes of dripping faucets, how to prevent them, and why ignoring dripping faucets isn’t a great idea for homeowners trying to save money.
Causes of Kitchen Sink Faucet Leaks
Kitchen sink faucets are larger than those found in bathrooms, as they are designed to not only wash hands, but also dishes, and be used in cooking, etc. They can have a number of different features and components, all of which can contribute to a dripping faucet.
Some common causes of leaks in the kitchen sink faucet are:- Problem with the O ring: O rings are small discs located in stem screws, which are used to hold the faucet handles in place. When these become broken or worn, leaks can occur.
- Corroded valve seat: A valve seat is what connects the handle to the spout, and water sediment can build up there and corrode the valve seat over time. To prevent this from happening, homeowners should periodically contact a professional plumber to clean the valve seat and avoid corrosion.
- Problem with washer(s): This could be a worn-out washer or a washer that wasn’t installed correctly.
A dripping faucet in a working sink should be fixed quickly to avoid additional damage and incur extra costs for homeowners.
Causes of Bathroom Leaks
Anything that can cause a leak in the kitchen sink can also cause leaks in the bathroom sink faucet. If the leak is in the bathtub, it is most likely caused by a worn-out washer. This happens frequently because the washers in these faucets are made from plastic or rubber, which degrades over time as it comes into contact with water. The washer may have also been installed incorrectly.
In addition to these common causes, a number of other things might cause bathroom leaks or leaks in kitchen sinks, like worn-out cartridges or seals, loose parts, or even water pressure. Professional installation and maintenance is the best way to avoid the hassle of a leaking faucet.
The Big Issue: An Increased Water Bill
Dripping faucets may seem like a minor annoyance, but they waste gallons upon gallons of water each month. Per the EPA, “The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.”Those wasted gallons will show up on the homeowner’s water bill--by some estimations, it can increase the water bill by up to 10%, wasting enough water to fill up a swimming pool. Thus, ignoring the issue is not free, and is not the best route for homeowners wanting to save money. Repairing dripping faucets is the easiest way to avoid an increased water bill, and save money in the long run.
About B&L Plumbing
B&L Plumbing is always ready to help homeowners with an emergency. Their friendly dispatchers and licensed plumbers are always available to diagnose and assess any plumbing system issues, including dripping faucets. They have been providing 24/7 service to Colorado Springs and surrounding areas since 1999.
