Dripping faucets can be a major headache for any homeowner, especially if the problem is allowed to persist for a long time. The leakage can cause permanent water damage near the faucet, and the dripping noise, along with being annoying, can indicate a larger problem with the plumbing system as a whole. Never ignore dripping faucets. Repair these problem fixtures as soon as possible to avoid causing permanent damage or increasing your water bill with leaking water that is not being used.

Read on to learn several things you can do to avoid a leaky faucet in the first place. Once you know why a faucet might start to leak, you can keep it from happening in the future. The experts at Crystal Blue Plumbing in the Sacramento, CA area can help you with all your plumbing needs.

What Causes Faucets to Leak?

Several factors can cause a faucet to drip and otherwise fail. Most are the result of structural failure. Some of these considerations are as follows:

• Valve seats that have corroded
• O-rings that have broken
• Washers that aren’t tight
• Fixtures that have been cracked or damaged
• Deterioration within the pipes

When a faucet handle is dripping, the O-ring, a small disk that attaches to the screw that holds the handle in place, has likely broken down. This type of leak occurs near the spout or near the faucet because the valve seat serves as the connection between these parts. Another common cause of a leaking faucet is a washer that is too loose or improperly installed. With each use, the washer presses against the valve seat, causing it to wear down and eventually fail, resulting in a leak.

Once you have determined what is causing your faucet to leak, you can take the necessary steps to not only alleviate the problem but also prevent it from recurring. Keep in mind that faucets and plumbing fixtures will malfunction for a variety of reasons in different rooms, depending on the environment.
In the bathroom, there will be a lot of humidity. Faucets or showerheads may leak because an O-ring has failed or pipes are corroded. Worn-out washers and valve seats can also be sources of frustration. Hard water deposits can build up on showerheads, which can lead to dripping and leakage.

In the kitchen, there may be other reasons for a faucet to leak, like overuse or exposure to cooking substances. A worn-out O-ring or valve seat is the most common cause of a dripping faucet in the kitchen. Another cause of leakage could be the fastenings and screws on the faucet. They may have become loose and need to be tightened. The presence of grease and other cooking substances that may cause corrosion can also cause kitchen faucets to break down.

How to Prevent a Leaky Faucet

There is a lot that you can do to keep your plumbing fixtures in good condition for years to come and prevent breakdowns that can cause dripping. Cleaning the most noticeable problem areas on a regular basis can prevent things like corrosion of the valve seat. Replacing the O-rings every two years or so can prevent them from malfunctioning.

If you suspect that there is a problem with the water connections, you need to call a plumber to inspect the fixture and replace it if it is not working properly. Our licensed plumbers at Crystal Blue are experts in fixture repair and replacement, cleaning, pipe inspection, and water leak detection, all of which might manifest in leaky fixtures.

If you notice that the showerhead is leaking in the bathroom, you should try cleaning it to see if that solves the problem. Soaking the showerhead in white vinegar can aid in the removal of any deposits that have formed. Remove the showerhead from the hose and soak it overnight. The next day, scrub it with a toothbrush before reinstalling it. When all else fails, replace the showerhead with a brand new one from the manufacturer.

Consider installing water leakage sensor systems and water interrupters, which can help prevent water leakage if at all possible. Water damage is by far the most common type of property damage, surpassing even fire and electrical damage in terms of frequency. You can install a water leakage system for half the cost of a traditional system, ensuring the safety of your home and family.

What is the reasoning behind this recommendation? Fortunately, the majority of these sensors are Wi-Fi based and come with a smartphone app, allowing you to keep an eye on your home from wherever you are in the world. A water leak sensor and a set of water valves let you know when there is a water leak in your home. Crystal Blue Plumbing can install water leak detectors in your home if you feel they are needed.

On a regular basis, check the various water fixtures in your home to ensure they are in good working order. Inspect the sink for rust deposits or calcium deposits in other basins, which may indicate corrosion in the pipes. This will eventually lead to the breakdown and failure of the fixtures themselves. If a fixture looks worn out, even if it is not leaking, it might be worthwhile to replace it with a newer one.

Fixing Faucet Leaks Can Save You Money on Your Water Bill

The majority of homeowners ignore dripping faucets because they consider them to be only a minor inconvenience rather than an emergency. However, most people would likely be shocked if they knew how much water they were losing to a drippy faucet, even only on a single day. To determine how much water is being wasted, you could place an empty container under the dripping faucet for an entire day and then measure how much water has accumulated. You might be surprised at how much water is being wasted by a single faulty fixture.

When you multiply the amount of water lost over a period of several days or even a month, you can see how a leaking faucet can have a negative impact on your overall water consumption. Examine your leaky faucets, and have them repaired as soon as possible. This is the most effective way to avoid costly water bills each month, not to mention the impact that wasted water can have on the environment. It is always better to call a local plumbing professional to inspect a leaking faucet immediately rather than allowing the problem to get worse.

Crystal Blue Plumbing has been serving the Sacramento area for more than 40 years. As a family-owned and -operated business, we know that our skilled and knowledgeable professionals can work on your problem and ensure that it is fixed correctly the first time. Crystal Blue provides services for all residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning issues. If you have plumbing problems, we can provide experts in fixture repair and installation, drain cleaning, repiping, water leak detection, and emergency plumbing services. Call us today to get your leaky faucets fixed as soon as possible.