Leaky faucets can be a real nuisance. Not only do they offer you something else around your home that needs to be repaired, but they can also cause problems like mold and mildew. If left unaddressed, a faucet leak can also attract bugs and critters. Here are some reasons why a faucet may begin to leak which can often lead to the need to repair a leaky faucet as soon as possible.
O-Ring Problems
One of the most common reasons why faucets begin to leak is because there is a problem with the O-ring. The O-ring is part of the faucet that helps hold the handle to the actual faucet. It is typically a small disc that is attached, and it’s a very important part of the whole faucet. When this part begins to wear out or becomes loose, the faucet will start to leak near the handle. Replacing the O-ring can be a simple process, but a professional plumber can also do the job for you.
Worn Out Washers
Another common reason for a leaky faucet is that the washers begin to wear out. When the faucet is being used, there is constant friction against the washer. Over time, they just begin to start wearing out. Once this happens, you will notice a dripping around the faucet spout. You can typically repair a leaky faucet that has washer problems quickly before it becomes a major issue.
Corrosion
Many of the parts in a faucet are made from some type of metal. When you mix water and metal, you are inevitably going to get some corrosion after a long period of time. And when you combine the water sediments with that, there is bound to be some corrosion. In some cases, you may be able to clean the corrosion so your faucet will work great without any leaks. But if the corrosion has been happening for some time, it may have caused some irreparable damage and you may need to simply replace the parts that have become corroded.
Malfunctioning Pipes
In rare cases, your pipes could be the cause of your leaky faucet. If a crack has developed in one of the pipes, it could affect the water pressure which can lead to your faucet dripping. If you have ruled out all of the other potential causes, have your pipes evaluated by a professional to see if they are the cause for your leaky faucet. Visit Apexplumbingchicago.com for more details.
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