What Causes My Outdoor Sink Faucet to Leak?
A faucet that drips can be a minor problem. However, if it’s left unmanaged for a prolonged period, it could raise the cost of water faster than you imagine. And, in the end, all that water that’s building up will clog the home’s foundation and cause patches of soil.
The outdoor faucet lasts between 15 and 25 years, or 20 on average, depending on the usage and whether you are draining it before the winter’s harsh freeze. But those vacuum breakers (a connection for hoses installed on each hose bib/faucet) are prone to fail much more quickly.
The average life span is 5-to-12 years. Additionally, it is susceptible to leaks and possibly damage. This blog will learn what to do if your faucet is leaking. You can put these solutions into practice right away. So, let’s get to it.
What Is the Best Way to Check for a Water Leak?
Before you begin your work, it’s a good idea to investigate the problem. Leaks are usually visible and easy to spot. But, some components may need some extra attention. It is why the test below could be helpful.
Place your thumb or hand on the fixture. Turn on the water to feel pressure. There is a problem if the water disperses and you cannot contain it. If, however, there is lots of stress emanating from the water and you cannot hold it back, there is no issue with the faucet!
Reasons for an Outdoor Faucet Leak
The causes are numerous. Wear-and-tear on washers, frozen, clogged, or damaged pipes can cause outdoor spigot leaks. It’s not unusual to see the faucet suffer its fair share of wear, and lines can also be prone to accumulating residue.
Frost is generally the leading cause. During the winter, pipes can shrink and expand, causing cracks under pressure. If the fixture isn’t in good condition, do not bother to fix it. Could you get a new one and make it your day? So, you’ll make it easier on yourself and save time.
Tips to Prevent Leaks in the Outdoor Faucet
Don’t fumble about it! It is impossible to prevent leaks completely. However, you can take the most effective methods to minimize the chance of leaks. It is by winterizing your faucet outside. The fixture should be disconnected in the fall and put in the faucet cover.
A cover can provide protection against the elements, for example, water damage. If you want to find a more comprehensive solution, buy a frost-free spigot that can cope with freezing temperatures. If temperatures drop to a certain point, you can allow the device a rest.
Damages Caused by Faucet Leaks
The water issue will be the biggest. Not only for your pocket but for the surrounding areas too. As time passes, the water may cause mildew and mold growth. Large water pools can cause damage to the structure of the house or cause damage to the foundation. Timely repairs would prevent all of these problems.
DIY Fixes for Outdoor Spigot Leaks
Common issues require only some effort to achieve positive outcomes. Before you reach out to an expert plumber, you could fix the problem yourself. You can achieve the results you want by following the steps below.
Tools required:
- Slip joint pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Step 1: Make the Retaining Nut nice and tight.
- Step 2: Remove the faucet stem.
- Step 3: Attach a new washer assembly
- Step 4: Unplug the Vacuum Breaker Cap
- Step 5: Concentrate on the parts.
Once you’ve removed your cap, you’ll see two components. A simple clean-up and reinstallation can bring the stopper back on the right track. If it does not help, replacing them with better features could aid.
If you work on a problem like this, you should try different solutions. Clean them thoroughly before putting them back. Turn on the water and see if it resolves the issue. The new parts are easy to locate. They aren’t expensive and don’t require much time to install.
To stop the leak, restore all the components to their original position.
Have you completed all of these steps, yet the leaks keep coming? The issue could be beyond the pay scale, so it’s best to have competent hands in the kitchen. Our plumbing solutions ensure that you’ll solve the leaks in a hurry! Then contact Ottawa Plumbing Services today at (613) 317-1682 or email us at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
We can make calling us a lot simpler than fixing the problem yourself! Suppose you’re a plumber and call and respect us by referring us to the use of our services. You can count on us, in that case, to make sure that you have a pleasant Ottawa plumbing experience, one that you will not hesitate to recommend to anyone. We are the plumbing company of choice for residential and commercial properties across Ottawa.
