A drippy faucet is among the most frequently encountered household issues. It could appear to be a minor nuisance that makes you sleepy at midnight. But in reality, a leaky faucet could cause huge water costs and even floods if not addressed.
In addition to the water stains and clogs that have to get drained, A dripping faucet can also be environmentally harmful. Each year, 1200 liters of water could get lost by a tap dripping six droplets every minute. That’s equivalent to seven bathtubs. A consistent drip should be taken care of immediately, as the effects can range from uncomfortable to catastrophic.
The homeowner can usually repair the issue independently with the proper tools to do the task. But how do you fix a problem with your tap without knowing what’s at the root of it? There are four main reasons your faucet could be leaky.
Parts That Are Damaged
In the past, you might have attempted to stop a water leak using the knobs on your faucet more tightly. However, this can damage the washer and valve when you press them against one another. Most leaks can correct by removing the faucet and putting another washer on the spindle.
Sometimes the valve seat is so worn out that even an entirely new washer will not be able to make an effective seal. The valve seats may also get damaged by mineral build-ups as well as hard particles that are present within our drinking water.
If your home gets equipped with an unwashed faucet repair procedure will differ. Examine the O-ring, which wraps around the exterior inside of the stem. This essential piece of metal gets used to keep the handle of the faucet in its place. When the O-ring is weakened or loose, the potential for leakage exists. If you own an O-ring tap on a cartridge, examine the faucet as it might require replacement. Find a replacement cartridge of the correct size by measuring it thoroughly before taking it off.
High-Pressure Water in the Pipeline
The utility provider of your municipality usually sets the water pressure. In many areas that have pressures of 80 psi, reading gets considered to be ideal. Anything over 100 psi will cause you to start experiencing problems in the plumbing system.
While many of us appreciate excessive water pressure, it’s one of the primary reasons for a leaky faucet. The force that is too high can cause problems with the fluid flow of your pipes. Water won’t be able to flow smoothly to its destination, causing an emergency. Since the water in excess needs to find a different way to get there, it’ll start flowing out of the faucets.
Ottawa Plumbing Service, such as cracks in fittings or pipes, can affect your water pressure. Be sure to inspect the area beneath the sink too regularly.
If you’ve ever heard the term “water hammer,” it’s a term that describes the loud thumping noise that can get heard when water pressure exceeds the limit of the valve. Along with the unpleasant sounds and vibrations, it could cause disturbance to your plumbing parts. It gets advised to have it checked as soon as you suspect pressure is the root of leaks.
While you may be able to solve pressure issues on your own, it may be challenging for those who don’t have the experience. It is why it might be better to contact an experienced plumber instead. A plumber will be able to inform you if a water pressure regulator is suitable to be installed.
Loose Parts
A faucet and sink are composed of many parts strategically linked. However, all of these components can become loose in time. For instance, if your faucet leaks at its base, the packing nut or adjusting ring might have come loose from frequent use. If your base is leaky, you might need to change the seals and seals. Utilize the wrench to tighten these parts; you might need to make these adjustments regularly during the year.
Sediment Build-Up and Corrosion
Pollution refers to the degrading of metal due to chemical reactions. Tap water is full of minerals and sediments that could accumulate within our plumbing system as time passes. This build-up often causes the problem of corrosion, and often, it’s the seat of the valve specifically which is the most affected.
Plumbing experts recommend regularly cleaning any hard water residue from the valve seat and faucets to prevent this. It’s easy to do it yourself by soaking a clean, dry cloth with white vinegar that is not diluted and cleaning the surface. While corrosion can eliminate, many homeowners use this opportunity to change the entire faucet, especially if it looks obsolete and inefficient.
For more information on your home’s plumbing or for help with any plumbing issues, give Ottawa Plumbing Service a call at (613) 317-1682 or drop us an email at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
