A leaking faucet is both inconvenient and time-consuming to repair. We’d like to discuss with you how to stop a faucet leak for your convenience. Knowing how to prevent a leaky faucet will save you time and money.
In the event of an emergency, Atlas Plumbing & Heating has repaired numerous faulty faucets. Our skilled plumbers have the knowledge and experience required for proper faucet leak repair that is also cost-effective.
Knowing Your Way Around a Faucet
Understanding the components of a faucet will assist you in determining what is causing a leaking faucet. The following internal faucet parts could be the source of a faucet leak::
- A ball valve
- Aerator screws
- Cartridge Valve,
- O-Ring,
- Small Springs
- Valve Seat
- Washers
The ball valve regulates the temperature of the water. Aerator screws are screens installed at the end of a faucet to restrict the amount of water that flows out. Internal water flow is controlled by the plastic cartridge valve. O-rings will be used to seal the faucet’s transitional components. Small springs function in tandem with the seals. The washer that opens and closes to allow water to pass through is placed right above the valve seat. To avoid a faucet leak, rubber washers are utilized to entirely seal off the water. A leaking faucet is caused by a problem with any of the above components.
Causes of Faucet Leakage
Internal corrosion, mineral buildups, or damaged parts may all necessitate faucet leak repair.
Internal Corrosion
Cracks will form as a result of internal corrosion, which will allow water to penetrate the structure. In addition, corrosion will cause the sealants that surround the faucet to deteriorate, which will result in the faucet leaking. Remove corrosion from the faucet using a soft cloth and a mild cleanser to complete the do-it-yourself faucet leak repair. You might need to use a product that was developed specifically for the purpose of removing severe corrosion from metal in order to get rid of corrosion that is resistant to removal. Corrosion has most likely caused the O-ring to become compromised if the base of the faucet is leaking. Leaks in the faucet usually appear around the spout when there is corrosion present in the ball valve. It is important to perform routine checks on your faucets for cracks as soon as possible so that they may be repaired before any additional harm is caused.
Mineral Build-Up
If you observe a decrease in the amount of water that comes out of your faucet, you may have a mineral buildup on your hands. In Jackson County, where I live, the water contains a significant amount of lime, which can lead to leaking faucets. The accumulation of lime and other minerals within your faucets will result in a rise in water pressure, which places additional strain on the joints and seals of your faucets. Utilizing a gentle brush and some cleaning solution, carefully remove any mineral deposits. Because mineral cleaning solutions can damage the finish of your faucet, you should make sure to rinse it off as soon as possible after using them.
Failed Parts
As you crank the handles of the faucet, do you find that it is becoming increasingly difficult to entirely stop the flow of water? Failure of cartridge valves can be brought on by everyday wear and strain. In the event that the cartridge valves become defective, you will be required to use an increasingly greater amount of force when turning the handles in order to stop a leak. In order to effectively fix a leaking faucet, the Cartridge valves will need to be replaced after some time.
How to Prevent a Faucet from Leaking
There are methods for preventing a leaking faucet. Maintaining ideal water pressure, removing additional minerals from the water, and keeping the faucets dry are all preventative steps for avoiding faucet leak repairs.
Check Your Water Pressure
When the water pressure in your home is too high, it can put strain on your plumbing fixtures. Excessive water pressure is indicated by odd noises emanating from the supply pipes and leaking plumbing fittings. This is one case where you should hire a professional to assess the water pressure in your home and, if necessary, install a pressure-reducing valve to improve the operation of your plumbing system.
Evaluate Water Hardness
Hard water causes a variety of plumbing problems, including leaking faucets, so test the hardness of your water with a simple testing kit available at most hardware stores. If your water is too hard, you can install a water softener, which eliminates the minerals that cause hard water.
Keep Your Faucet Dry
Keeping the region dry is a simple but efficient approach to keep the base of a faucet from leaking. Corrosion can occur when water sits near faucets after use. Keeping the area clean and dry after washing your hands or brushing your teeth not only helps with housekeeping, but it also helps to keep faucets from leaking.
Stop Water at the Source
If you have a utility sink or faucets that you rarely use, turn off the water at the local shut-off valves until you need to use that sink again. If you turn off the water at the source, the faucet will not hold back extra water pressure for long periods of time.
Do You Have a Leaky Faucet? Atlas Plumbing & Heating Can Help!
We have the skills and experience to handle all of your leaky faucet repairs expertly. Every customer obtains the greatest repair services at reasonable prices.
Schedule commercial servicing for your business today to keep your faucet in good working order and avoid unexpected breaks or pricey repairs.