There are numerous things that irritate homeowners—like dry rot in house siding, rain gutters falling down and high monthly utility bills—but nothing irks them more than having to deal with indoor plumbing problems. It takes time and money to fix these issues, and sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem. Whether there’s a leaky water pipe under the kitchen sink or a drippy bathroom faucet, it’s best to get to the root of your plumbing problem immediately.
So, what are the top causes of dripping faucets? Let’s ask the premier providers of professional plumbing services in Modesto, CA, Alvarado Pumping Septic Service:
- Loose or damaged parts: Because the parts on your plumbing fixtures are subjected to continuous use, they are bound to come loose or get damaged over time—this is the biggest reason for a dripping faucet. The problem could be a worn washer inside the tap or a cracked faucet seal; both parts are under a lot of pressure whenever the water is turned on, so both are liable to sustain damage. Washer-less faucets (such as drip and ball faucets) that are dripping point to an issue with the moving parts.
- O ring issues: A faucet’s O ring is a small disc that’s attached to a stem screw which holds the faucet handle in place. If the O ring becomes loose or wears out—and it will with regular use—you will notice water dripping near the handle. Replace the O ring and see if that fixes the problem.
- Worn out seals: Another reason for a drippy faucet is worn out seals. Faucet inlet and outlet seals are essential parts of disc faucets. Over time and with regular use, sediment will build up inside joints and connective points, causing the seals to wear out completely or become damaged. A plumber can make sure seals are sediment-free and that your faucets are working properly.
- High water pressure: If you have a particular faucet that only drips when being used a certain way—like after taking a shower or washing the dishes by hand—then you could have a high water pressure issue. Water pressure that is too high may prevent water from flowing properly, and water sticking around means possible water backups and leaks elsewhere as it attempts to escape. Try adjusting your water pressure, or call a plumber for help.
- Broken plumbing: Broken plumbing is a less common cause of leaky faucets, but is not unheard of. Damaged plumbing can develop cracks, which can lead to problems with the water pressure in your home or building. For example, a faucet that’s connected to a cracked pipe or fitting will most likely drip on and off.
Don’t allow a drippy faucet to get on your nerves—contact the experts at Alvarado Pumping Septic Service! Yes, we do plumbing, too! Although our main focus is on septic pumping and septic maintenance for homes and businesses, we are pleased to also offer standard plumbing services in Modesto, CA. Give us a call as soon as you notice a drip or leak problem!