How To Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet, Drain P-Trap, or Shut Off Valve
Sooner or later, most homeowners experience plumbing issues – and leaks are one of the most common problems we see. Over time, old pipes wear down and loosen. Or you might have an issue with a fitting that needs to be replaced. If you don’t address these problems, you’ll experience leaks that can result in structural damage to your home, as well as higher water bills, mold, and other headaches.
The good news is that a plumber can handle most leaky shower faucets, drain P-traps, and shut off valves – and fix the problem for you. The bad news is that you may have to rip out part of the floor or walls to gain access before troubleshooting the issue. But it’s easier to patch a hole in your drywall or replace a few floor materials than deal with the potential disasters of a long-term leak.
In this article, we’re discussing some of the most common leaks found in homes: shower faucets, P-traps, and valves. We’ll explain how to diagnose a problem with these plumbing fixtures, how they’re repaired, and steps you can take for proper maintenance.
Signs of a Leaky Shower Faucet
A leaky shower faucet is more than annoying. Because the leak lets water inside your walls, it can end up ruining your floor – and if the shower is on an upper story, this damage can extend to the ceiling in the room below.
Most shower faucet leaks have one of two causes:
- The washer hardware in the handle may be worn out
- The stem or cartridge may need replacing
A common indicator of a leak is a musty smell similar to what you may find in an old basement. This earthy scent means water is accumulating with no way to dry. The faucet should be able to turn easily. A definite sign of wear can be the use of excessive force to open or close the faucet.
It’s almost impossible to tell if the leak is coming straight from your drain, base, or missing or cracked grout. However, if you notice watermarks on the ceiling (from a bathroom located upstairs), this is a serious red flag.
Run the shower and look for leaks. In some cases, you may have to open a hole in the ceiling below to diagnose where the leak is coming from. This may seem like a hassle, but it’s easier to repair the drywall than to let the leak continue.
Water seeping through the ceilings or walls is not always due to a leaky shower base. In many cases, you’ve probably run into an issue with your plumbing behind the walls or under the floor.
Common Issues with a Leaking P-trap
In plumbing, traps are a portion of pipe designed to create a water seal that prevents sewer gases from backing up into your home through the drain. Wherever you have water draining in your home, you’ll most likely find a P-trap. Kitchen sinks are the most common and heavily used areas. However, your bathroom is a close second. Both bathroom sinks and showers use P-traps.
How do you know if your P-trap is leaking? Water spots underneath the cabinet, puddles, or visible drips around the P-trap, especially near the connections, are a clear sign of a leak. If you suspect you have a leaky P-trap, inspect it for any cracks, loose connections, or other signs of damage that could result in a leak.
Sometimes a sink or drain clog are signs of an improperly installed P-trap. Most drains use gravity to remove water so if the piping isn’t level, or if it’s installed backwards (don’t laugh, we’ve seen this before!) a clog may form. Sometimes they’re installed incorrectly or the wrong fitting between connections is used or missing altogether.
Why the Valves in Your Home Can Fail At Any Time
Inside your home there are two common valves used on your water’s supply side, gate valves and angle valves (also known as stop valves):
Gate Valves
The first type of valve you’ll find in your home is called the gate valve. These are typically found by your water meter as the main shut-off for your property. They can also be found in other shut-off areas like your washing machine (if it’s located in the basement) or before an outdoor spigot.
Gate valves tend to work best when installed with the handle facing upward which can’t always be accomplished due to space constraints.
Angle Valves
The other style of valve is an angle valve, or stop valve. These are more easily seen underneath bathroom and kitchen sinks and your toilet’s supply line or a refrigerator water supply.
Angle valves are typically small and are usually configured in a 90-degree bend. Due to this tight angle, they are prone to more sediment buildup and sealing issues.
Proper Valve Maintenance
The one thing both types of valves have in common is a limited lifespan. In most homes, valves are almost never used until they break. Water quality will corrode the valves over time or sediment buildup can keep valves from operating at all. Manufacturers recommend cycling the valves in your home at least once a year to keep them loose and free from sediment. But who has time for that?
For better peace of mind, you should replace all your valves with ball valves or quarter-turn valves. Although the first ball valve patent was issued in 1871, it would take another 85 years for ball valves to become a commercial success. That was the 1950s and it was mostly in manufacturing but is becoming more common in residential homes.
Ball valves are often considered superior to gate valves due to their faster shut-off times, more reliable sealing, and lower maintenance requirements. Ball valves offer a quick 90-degree rotation for immediate shut-off, while gate valves require a full 360-degree rotation.
Additionally, ball valves are less prone to leaks and wear and tear, making them a more durable and reliable choice, especially for applications where frequent on/off cycling is needed.
The Importance of Home Plumbing Maintenance
The plumbing fixtures in your home are important for comfort and safety. When they fail, the result can be sewer water where you don’t want it, water leaks that damage the area around them, and greater expense at having to replace them.
Regular maintenance is critical – but not always easy to remember. That’s why it’s important to have a licensed, experienced plumber take a look at your plumbing system. They can spot potential areas of concern before they get worse and provide options to repair or replace that can fit any timeline or budget.
The inconvenience cost of plumbing issues can be substantial, ranging from lost productivity and time to higher water bills and the potential for additional damage if problems are left unaddressed. Beyond the direct cost of repairs, which can vary from simple fixes like leaky faucets to more complex issues like burst pipes or sewer line replacements, the inconvenience can also lead to increased stress, disruption of daily life, and even potential harm to property.
Make a plan now to update your home’s plumbing system and over time, you’ll have a worry-free home for many, many years. Contact Rocket Plumbing today for inspection and repair services.
