A Leaky Faucet Can Ruin the Mood - Here's How to Fix It!

A Dripping Faucet Won’t Help Keep the Romantic Vibe This Valentine’s Day

The persistent drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet is a minor annoyance on most days, but on what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, it can be a downright mood killer. The good news is that not only can this be fixed, but it can also be prevented relatively easily. Read on to find out what keeps faucets from dripping and why it’s in a homeowner’s best interest to keep their faucets tight and leak-free - not just on Valentine’s day but throughout the year.

A Dripping Faucet Can Be a Hazard

Leaving a faucet dripping may seem like a minor and relatively harmless nuisance, but once the true cost of not addressing this problem is factored in, it’s easy to see why a dripping faucet can be dangerous. For one, all the water that either keeps flowing or accumulates keeps the surroundings constantly damp. This, in turn, encourages the growth of mold, which can be hazardous to homeowners' health and can lead to water damage.  

Add to that the environmental impact of so much water wastage and the financial implication of a costly water bill from the leak, and it’s plain to see that this is a problem that shouldn’t be prolonged and that a leaky faucet repair needs to be done immediately.

Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet

Most faucet leaks are caused by the following:

• Loose or worn-out O-ring - the O-ring, as its name implies, is a small disc that attaches to the stem screw and keeps the handle of the faucet in place. A loose or worn-out O-ring can leak water at the handles.  If this is the case, then a replacement should be made.

• Broken or ill-fitting washers - because washers rest against the valve seat, friction from opening and closing the valves can cause washers to wear out and break.  It is also possible for faucets to have been installed with washers that aren’t the correct size, which can also cause the leak.

• Corrosion - water sediments can cause corrosion in some parts of the faucet over time. When these parts break down, leaks occur.

• Water pressure - faucets that drip only at certain times of the day are most likely leaking because of the home’s water pressure.

Leaky Faucet Repairs

While leaky faucets seem like they would be relatively easy to repair, there are still steps that need to be taken and important reminders to take note of before disassembling any part of the faucet and attempting a DIY repair.  For one, homeowners need to shut off the water valve normally found under the sink before attempting any fix. Another is to know what kind of faucet they have and what parts they contain. This will be useful once the faucet is dismantled and examined for loose or broken parts, and it will also help with buying the correct parts and putting them back together.

If all of these steps seem too complex and overwhelming, or if homeowners just want to save themselves the time and trouble of repairing a leak, then hiring a professional plumber is the best option. Professional plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to handle every plumbing repair, no matter how big or small, and they also have practical insights and a tried and tested process for just about any faucet fix.  

About Guardian Plumbing and Drain

Guardian Plumbing and Drain has trusted plumbing professionals serving the community of Cobourg, ON, and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, fast response, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Cobourg, ON.

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