How to Deal With a Dripping Water Faucet
The sink won’t stop dripping? That persistent drip, drip, drip from your faucet can be maddening! If you’re wondering, “Why is my kitchen faucet dripping,” it could indicate several complex issues with your plumbing system.
A dripping water faucet is an expensive nuisance that can lead to higher bills. If this is your current predicament, Herrmann Services, your trusted Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical plumbing company, is here to help.
Causes of Faucet Drips
Faucet dripping water may be due to worn-out washers, damaged O-rings, loose packing nuts, a faulty cartridge, or mineral buildup. Excessive water pressure can also cause small leaks, especially at night when overall water usage is lower.
Such pressure stresses your plumbing system because it forces water through any available exit, such as a worn-out seal or washer, thus leading to a persistent dripping water faucet.
Four of the most common types of faucets are ball, disc, cartridge, and compression.
- Ball faucets feature a single handle controlling temperature and water flow, where a ball-shaped component within the faucet regulates water movement.
- Disc faucets have a handle that sits atop a cylindrical body containing ceramic discs that control water flow.
- Cartridge faucets use a cylindrical cartridge to regulate water flow. They are operated by an up-and-down movement of the handle rather than a back-and-forth motion.
- Compression faucets are found in older fixtures. They have separate hot and cold handles that need to be tightened to turn off the flow.
Determining the Severity of the Leak
While some faucet leaks can be minor annoyances, others indicate more serious underlying issues. For example:
- Slow, infrequent drips often point to a worn washer or loose part that can likely be addressed with DIY repairs (more on that later).
- Frequent, consistent drips indicate a damaged valve seat or cartridge that needs replacing.
- Spraying or spurting water suggests a bigger problem with the faucet or internal plumbing.
If your faucet still drips after basic troubleshooting, consult Herrmann Services to prevent further damage and water waste.
DIY Faucet Fixes
If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my faucet dripping?” you may find the following DIY repair instructions useful. You’ll need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers, and replacement parts (washers, O-rings, etc.). To start, refer to your faucet’s manual for specific repair guidelines and then:
- Find the shut-off valve under the sink and turn off the water supply.
- Examine the internal components for wear or damage and replace any worn-out washers or O-rings with compatible parts.
- Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the packing nut (compression faucets only) carefully; do not over-tighten.
- Reassemble the faucet and then turn the water back on while checking for leaks.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue at all, call Herrmann Services for an expert diagnosis and repair. Here is why.
Indications of Complex Issues
A faucet dripping water can sometimes be a sign of more complex plumbing problems, such as:
- Extensive corrosion that requires valve seat replacement
- Damaged plumbing that calls for immediate repair to avoid further problems
- Leaks that breed mold; the best remediation is to consult certified professionals
These problematic issues are best left to seasoned plumbers from Herrmann Services to ensure a thorough and lasting repair.
Faucet Maintenance Tips
The following preventative measures can go a long way in stopping drips before they start:
- Regularly inspect faucets for signs of leaks, loose parts, or mineral buildup.
- Remove and clean the aerator screen (the part at the faucet spout) periodically to prevent mineral buildup that can affect water flow.
- Monitor water pressure. Note that high or low water pressure weakens your pipes and leads to leaks. Consider a pressure regulator if needed.
- Schedule regular professional plumbing checkups to catch potential problems early on.
Why Choose Herrmann Services
Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky residents have relied on our professional heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical plumbing services for over five decades. So can you.
We’re known for using high-quality materials, employing skilled technicians trained in the latest plumbing techniques, and offering 24/7 emergency services for your peace of mind. Now that you have answers to the question, “Why is my faucet dripping?” contact Herrmann Services today for a consultation.
Image Source: Shutterstock/Afanasiev Andrii