Reasons It’s Not a Good Idea to Overlook Leaky Faucets: The Price of Neglect

Considering your hectic schedule, it’s exhausting to notice a leaky Some homeowners choose to ignore this issue as a small annoyance, but leaky faucets can result in widespread damage if not taken care of promptly. Learn what causes faucet leaks, why ignoring leaks is risky, and how calling a plumber can help you save time, money and stress.

Why Get Help from Expert Plumbers?

Hiring an Expert for plumbing services can help you save time and money. Experienced plumbers have the equipment and expertise necessary to uncover and repair the problem.

1. Expert Insight

Professional plumbers can give valuable advice and recommendations on practices to prevent issues with leaks and preserve your plumbing pipes so they stay in excellent condition.

2. Affordable Solution

While a dripping faucet might seem more like a trivial headache, not addressing it for too long will often lead to bigger monthly bills down the line, including a spike in your water bills and even structural damage. Hiring a plumber for prompt repairs is an affordable choice.

3. Peace of Mind

With a professional taking care of the problem, you can trust that the solution lasts, stopping future leaks and replacing them with peace of mind.

Reasons Behind a Leak in Your Faucets

You count on your fixtures to function as expected, but a leaky faucet can still happen for a few different reasons. Here are the main culprits.

1. 1. Cracked Gasket
      The gasket forms another watertight seal between the faucet and the countertop. A broken gasket is the most likely reason if the bottom of your faucet is leaking. Over time, gaskets can split or become misshapen, impacting the seal’s effectiveness. Like O-rings, gaskets are relatively cheap and straightforward to replace, but choosing the right replacement gasket is essential.

1. 1. Old, Worn-Down O-Ring
      The O-ring is a small ring-shaped component made with rubber that helps provide a waterproof seal in the faucet. O-rings break down over time, causing water to leak around the faucet handle. They’re generally made of strong rubber, but even the highest-quality materials degrade with constant use and water exposure. Removing and replacing a worn-out O-ring is a quick enough fix, but it needs the right measurements and kind of faucet.

1. 1. The Valve Seat Is Worn or Rusted
      The valve seat joins the faucet itself to the spout and controls the water flow. Corrosion or other deterioration of the valve seat can cause the spout to leak. Clogs and mineral deposits from hard water the biggest cause of a rusted or leaking seal valve. Regular cleaning can help a bit with limiting buildup, but if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat may require replacement.

1. 1. Poorly Installed Washer
      A worn-out or improperly installed washer can routinely cause leaks. Washers tend to wear out more quickly than other pieces because of the heavy pressure placed on them, so they often require more consistent attention.

Problems Associated with Leaky Faucets

Ignoring a faucet leak makes you vulnerable to other and potentially bigger problems than you may think. Here are the potential consequences of doing nothing:

• • Irritating Drip Sounds: The constant drip, drip, drip of a dripping faucet can be highly annoying, especially in quiet rooms or when you’re attempting to sleep. The persistent noise, even of something as small as a dripping faucet, will still lead to extra anxiety.

• • Reduced Water Pressure: A leaky faucet can result in a decrease in water pressure, making it hard to operate other plumbing fixtures. Low water pressure can also make it challenging to use appliances that rely on sufficient water pressure.

• • Higher Risk of Pest Issues: Even seemingly limited amounts of water bring in pests looking for food, water or just a place to hide. A dripping faucet can create a hotbed for roaches and rodents, especially in dark areas including under the sink. If severe, these infestations will require expensive extermination and prevention treatment services.

• • Wasted Water and Money: A leaky faucet wastes more water than you may realize. According to the EPA, one drip every second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year, or the equivalent of taking 180 showers. This “minor” leak negatively impacts the ecosystem and raises your water bills.

Arrange Leaky Faucet Repair Now

If you have seen any of the warning signs of a faucet leak, don’t delay—contact Xtra Mile for dependable leaky faucet repair. We provide fast, long-lasting repairs to all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today for Expert local help.