Fix the Drip – 3 Common Reasons Your Faucet is Leaking

Listening to the constant drip-drip-drip sound of a leaky sink faucet can be enough to drive you up the wall. To make matters worse, that annoying drip is also going to show up on your monthly water bill – and cost you more of your hard-earned money.

Sources a leaky faucet

We probably don’t have to convince you that a leaky faucet isn’t good, whether it’s found in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. The better question is – what causes a leaky faucet? It usually comes down to one of three worn-out parts.

1. O-ring. The O-ring is a rubber ring that is supposed to create a seal inside the faucet (around the valve stem, to be more precise). Over time, the rubber material can deteriorate, crack, or loosen, which can allow water to seep through. It may be possible to simply replace the worn-out O-rings, or if it’s an old faucet it might be time to replace the entire fixture.

2. Seat washer. Another internal part that commonly wears down over time, the seat washer is found where the handle meets the body of the faucet. If your water is dripping out after you turn the faucet off, there’s a good chance the seat washer is damaged or loose. Replacing this part should return your faucet to working order.

3. Cartridge seals. This one is specifically for cartridge faucets, which has an internal cartridge that moves up and down to control the flow of water. With this type of faucet, the inlet and outlet seals can wear out, causing a leak. 

Repair or replace?

Once you determine the cause of the leak, you’re faced with the decision of repairing or replacing the faucet. Unless you have a unique fixture, the spare parts for a faucet are usually inexpensive. But then you either have to install the replacement part yourself or bring in a plumber.

In many cases, it makes more financial sense to replace the leaky fixture. New bathroom and kitchen faucets can vary in cost, but you can find basic models that are relatively inexpensive, have modern designs, and potentially conserve water.  

Experienced plumbers in Chicago

If you need help finding the source of your leaky faucet, call the professional team at Rocket Plumbing. We can restore your fixture or install a brand-new faucet you’ll enjoy for years to come. To schedule an appointment, call us at (773) 219-1200.