At first, a dripping faucet doesn’t seem like a big deal — just an occasional plink in the sink. But after a few days, that sound can start to get annoying. So, what’s the deal? Why is your faucet dripping, and why does it seem impossible to stop?
In this blog, we’ll review what the most likely cause of a dripping faucet is and how you can fix it.
Why Your Faucet Is Dripping
There can be multiple reasons why your faucet might be dripping, and identifying the root of the issue is key to fixing it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes.
Worn Out Washer
The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. Over time, the rubber washer in your faucet wears down, leading to a poor seal when the faucet is turned off. This results in the constant drip you hear. Washers are located in compression faucets, and they rest against the valve seat, which can cause friction over time. As this part of the faucet wears out, it can lead to a slow leak.
To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the rubber washer with a new one. You can find this replacement part at your local hardware store. Make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet before attempting any repairs. If you don’t feel comfortable performing this task by yourself, reach out to the plumbers at Zenner & Ritter for professional assistance.
Damaged O-Ring
If you’ve got a cartridge faucet, another common cause of a dripping faucet is a damaged O-ring. The O-ring helps to seal the faucet handle, preventing leaks. With frequent use, this small but important part can wear down and cause water to escape from the faucet spout.
Although a damaged-O-ring can be what causes a faucet to drip, this is an easy fix. You’ll need to take apart the faucet handle, locate the O-ring, and replace it with a new one. Just like with the washer, you can find O-rings at most hardware stores.
Faulty Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and helps control water flow. If this part becomes corroded due to water sediments, this can be what causes a faucet to drip around the spout area. Mineral buildup can cause the valve seat to deteriorate, making it impossible for the faucet to create a tight seal.
To fix this, you’ll likely need a seat wrench to remove the old valve seat and install a new one. You can also clean minor buildup with a mix of white vinegar and water. Again, if you’re unsure about handling this yourself, consider contacting a plumber for help.
Worn Seals
Over time, the inlet and outlet seals in your faucet can become worn, leading to leaks. These seals are responsible for keeping water from escaping your faucet’s body. If you notice leaking at the base of the faucet handles or around the faucet body, worn seals may be to blame.
Replacing the seals is a relatively simple fix, but you’ll need to disassemble the faucet to reach them. Of course, make sure you turn off the water before starting any repairs.
High Water Pressure
Believe it or not, your home’s water pressure might be contributing to your leaky faucet. If the pressure is too high, it can cause water to back up and leak out of the faucet, even when it’s turned off. High water pressure might not just affect one faucet — it could lead to leaks in other fixtures in your home as well.
If you suspect that water pressure is the issue, you’ll want to get it checked by a professional plumber to avoid further problems.
Types of Faucets and How They Can Cause Drips
Different types of faucets can be prone to leaking for various reasons. Let’s go over the most common types and how they might be causing your faucet to drip.
Compression Faucets
A compression faucet uses a rubber washer to stop water flow. Over time, this washer can wear out, leading to leaks. Replacing the washer usually fixes the problem, and it’s an affordable solution available at most hardware stores.
Cartridge Faucets
Cartridge-style faucets are more modern and don’t rely on washers. Instead, they use a cylindrical body to control water flow. If your cartridge faucet is leaking, you’ll likely need to replace the cartridge or other loose or broken parts within the faucet.
Ball Faucets
Ball faucets are common in kitchen sinks and use a rotating ball to control the flow of water. They have several small parts, such as O-rings and seals, which can wear down over time. If you notice a drip coming from your ball faucet, a full faucet repair may be needed, including replacing worn-out seals.
Disc Faucets
A disc faucet has two ceramic discs that control water flow. While these faucets are generally reliable, mineral buildup can sometimes lead to leaks. Regular cleaning of the faucet parts can help prevent these problems.
Preventing Future Drips
Once you’ve finally fixed your faucet, the last thing you want is to deal with the same issue again down the line. So, now that you know what causes a faucet to drip, here are a few tips to prevent future leaks:
- Check for worn parts regularly. Keep an eye on your faucet washers, O-rings, and valve seats, and replace them when necessary.
- Clean your faucet parts to remove any mineral buildup. Use white vinegar to break down the deposits that can cause leaks.
- Reduce water pressure. If your home’s water pressure is too high, it can put strain on your faucets and cause leaks.
- Install a drain cover. This helps prevent water sediment from clogging your faucet parts and causing damage.
Contact Our Plumbers in Buffalo, NY, Today!
Sometimes, fixing a dripping faucet is more complicated than it seems. Have you tried a few DIY fixes and still find yourself asking, “Why is my faucet dripping?” If so, it might be time to call in the professionals. Persistent leaks or drips that stem from corrosion, cracked pipes, or high water pressure can be hard to deal with on your own.
At Zenner & Ritter, our plumbers in Buffalo, NY, specialize in fixing faucet leaks and other plumbing problems. Whether your faucet is dripping because of a worn-out valve seat or water pressure issues, they can get it resolved quickly and professionally.
Now that you have a better idea of what causes a faucet to drip, don’t put off the repairs any longer. A small drip today can lead to bigger problems tomorrow, from wasted water to higher water bills. Reach out to us to schedule your plumbing repair in Buffalo, NY, or one of the surrounding communities!
