A dripping faucet may seem like a nuisance, but even a trickle of water can raise your utility bills. The fixture may leak due to several problems. Here are some faucet faults that you should fix as soon as possible to avoid losses.
1. A Leaky Faucet Handle
A leaky faucet can waste water while causing noise disturbances as you try to sleep. If water is dripping from the handle, you can solve it by tightening the packing nut.
Another reason for leaking around the faucet’s handle is a defective O-ring. The O-ring is a circular-shaped disk that stops water from dripping around plumbing connections.
You have to disassemble the faucet and remove debris around the O-ring. You should apply silicon-based grease to prevent deterioration. If the O-ring is damaged, the best solution is to get a replacement.
2. The Faucet Spout Is Leaking
Besides the faucet’s handle, you may also notice water dripping from around the spout. You can confirm the leak by shutting off the water and placing a paper towel over the spout’s opening. Check after some time to see if the paper towel is wet.
A leaking spout is usually a problem with a defective washer or valve seat. You can repair a compression faucet by replacing the washer.
However, modern faucets with a cartridge assembly will need a replacement to fix the leak. If you are unsure, you can consult our team at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter for dependable faucet services in Granada Hills, CA.
3. The Faucet Sprays Mist
Another common problem is when the faucet fails to deliver a consistent stream of water. If it sprays a mist, it’s often an issue with the aerator.
Disassembling the faucet and cleaning off debris from the aerator may fix the problem. But if the issue persists, consider replacing the aerator.
4. Signs of Corrosion and Deterioration
In Granada Hills, the water hardness levels exceed 120mg/l, which the USGS classifies as moderately hard. That means the water supply contains magnesium and calcium, which can clog aerators and parts of your plumbing.
Rusting and stains could indicate the water fixtures in your home are defective or in the process of deterioration. If you also notice a squeaky sound, you may want to consider replacing the faucet.
5. Low Water Pressure
If your faucet only delivers a trickle where the flow was previously higher, it could be a problem with the diverter. Ensure the valves under the sink are open by turning them anti-clockwise. You can disassemble the faucet to remove debris blocking the water flow.
Addressing the leakage on time is essential for the longevity of your plumbing system. If you spot leaking or corrosion, it’s wise to take action immediately. You can consult Turbo Plumbing & Rooter for copper re-piping, faucet repairs, and other quality solutions in Granada Hills, CA.
