Don’t Ignore That Leaking Faucet!

Of all the possible plumbing issues homeowners can face, faucet leaks are among the most common and insidious. Whether the faucet is dripping incessantly and driving everyone in the house crazy or a little water seeps out from around the base every time it’s turned on a leaky faucet can waste a shocking amount of water every day. 

Over time, this can significantly impact the water bills, so it’s best to take care of leaks as soon as possible. In some cases, the homeowners can fix the issue themselves, provided they know how to diagnose it. So this article will share three common reasons for a leaky sink faucet - and what to do about them!

Worn O-Ring or Gasket

If homeowners notice that a sink faucet is leaking from the handle or base of the faucet, the most likely culprit is a worn or damaged O-ring. An O-ring is a rubber gasket that seals small gaps between internal components in the faucet assembly. Most types of sinks feature at least one O-ring. 

Over time, these tend to wear out or break from general use, hard water, or excessive water pressure. When this happens, they can no longer form a seal against the pressurized water coming through the valve, causing water to leak from the handle or base of the faucet. If homeowners know the model number of their faucet, they should be able to order a new O-ring. In most cases, replacing an O-ring is a relatively simple process - though it may be more difficult on certain faucet models.

Corroded or Worn-Out Washer

If homeowners have a dripping faucet (water is leaking directly from the faucet spout), there’s probably an issue with the seat washer. In a faucet assembly, the seat washer is a small piece that moves up and down when the handle is turned, controlling the water flow.

The washer can wear out due to all the friction and movement that it experiences, preventing it from forming a perfect seal. Sediment buildup or corrosion from hard water can also develop on the washer itself, allowing water to escape around the washer and drip out of the spout. 

Depending on the faucet model, replacing a washer can be a little more complicated. If corrosion or hard water deposits are behind the issue, homeowners will probably want to call a professional plumber to handle the repairs.

Corrosion On the Valve Seat

A damaged or corroded valve seat is probably the issue if a faucet is dripping from the spout - even after replacing the washer or O-rings. The valve seat is the connection point between a faucet assembly and the water supply pipe below. As mentioned above, the washer sits on top of the valve seat and controls water flow to the faucet as the valve is opened and closed. If the valve seat is damaged, corroded, or caked with mineral deposits, there won’t be a perfect seal between the seat and the washer, and water will leak through.

Repairing or replacing a valve seat typically involves using special tools, such as a seat grinder (a device used to resurface the valve seat) or a seat wrench (an instrument used to remove the valve seat entirely). As such, even the handiest homeowners will probably want to leave this task to a professional!

About All Purpose Plumbing 

For years, All Purpose Plumbing has provided top-rated and award-winning plumbing services to the Tacoma community. Their licensed, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians always arrive on time in a convenient appointment window and leave every home better than they found it. All Purpose offers free estimates, same-day service, 24-hour emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job - so call them anytime for leaky faucet repair in Tacoma, WA!

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