Leaks from faucets can waste a lot of water. A small leak can waste gallons of water each day, and if the water is heated, that will cost you even if your water is free. If your home has a private well, that means that water is being pumped up and treated with no benefit to you. Leaky faucets can be caused by more factors than you might expect. These are the leading five causes of leaky faucets:
Water Pressure
Your bathroom faucet might leak only when water pressure is high or when you put the faucet’s handle in a certain direction. This issue could be solved by adjusting the pressure regulator in your home.
O-Ring is Damaged
An O-ring is a small rubber seal that you will find inside your faucet. O-rings can wear out or fall out, leading to leaks. If one of your faucet handles starts dripping, it could be that it is time to replace the O-ring.
Declining Valve Seat
A faucet’s valve seat can leak if it becomes clogged up by sediment buildup or when it gets worn down. Usually, this kind of leak starts around the handle of your faucet. You will need to replace the valve seat or the entire handle to stop the leaking.
Broken Washers
Over time, washers can become dislodged from the valve seat, resulting in a faucet that leaks. It could also be that it was installed improperly. If a washer is the wrong size, it can also lead to a leak.
Damaged Cartridge
The cartridge in your faucet is usually made from plastic and it controls water flow. If this is damaged you will notice constant dripping from the faucet.
