3 Different Types of Faucet Leaks: Dripping, Constant, and Spray Leaks

Leaky faucets can waste several gallons of water each day, leading to significant increases in your monthly water bill payments.

Cartridge faucets use a rubber washer that compresses against a metal opening in their faucet bodies, and this constant friction wears it down over time, necessitating replacement washers as time goes on.

After reading the different types of faucet leaks, you can also check the article about leaky faucet causes by Plumb-Tech, and arrange an appointment with their plumbing experts.

Dripping constantly

One small leak may not seem like much, but if every faucet in your house was constantly dripping it would waste much more water than you realize – studies have shown (through a collection of droplets in a calibrated measuring cylinder), a single drip may actually waste as much as 30 gallons a day!

Constant leakage may be due to a worn out O-ring – the tiny circular piece of rubber or plastic found inside faucet handles that creates an effective seal against water flow when turned on – that needs replacing with an easy kit available from home centers and hardware stores.

Corroded valve seats can also cause constant drips of water from faucets, as they prevent water from flowing freely to the spout. Replacing them yourself might be possible, although professionals would likely be better-equipped for such work if you lack plumbing experience.

Dripping slowly

If your faucet’s spout drips near its base, it could be caused by a loose adjusting ring or packing nut – an all too familiar cause of leaky faucets in older homes. To rectify the situation, switch off both handles of your two-handle sink before taking steps to tighten or replace these parts underneath it.

This type of leak may also be due to worn washers. Over time, regular usage causes friction between the valve seat and washer that causes wear-and-tear wear that causes leakage. Simply replace the worn-out one to stop any further dripping!

Leaky faucets can be an utter source of irritation. Luckily, fixing most types of leaks is typically straightforward and can save money on utility costs.

Knowing your type of faucet helps ensure its repair correctly; depending on its model this could involve either taking measures like disassembling or removing its handle as part of its repair strategy.

Dripping quickly or spraying

If the leak in your sink faucet is so loud and persistent that it keeps you awake at night, it should be addressed as quickly as possible to avoid potential water damage to the property. Failure to address it promptly may result in substantial losses to both time and money.

Sometimes the cause of such leaks lies with worn out washers or O-rings that must be replaced, while other times the entire faucet stem may need replacing – an easy DIY fix!

If your faucet is spraying, call a professional technician to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Checking for leaks

Before undertaking any repair on a leaky sink faucet, ensure all water has been turned off by opening up any shut-off valves found underneath your sink and turning them in the opposite direction.

Next, check your water meter every two hours during an unoccupied two hour period when no one uses any water and see if its readings seem higher than expected; easily corrected household leaks could potentially save 10 percent off your monthly water bill by being quickly corrected.

 

Jeff Campbell