Leaky faucets can be a nuisance, especially if some kind of faucet repair ends up being necessary.
It is easy to just ignore a slow drip rather than make a call for faucet repair services.
Between the ongoing annoyance and how much water is being wasted - as much as tens of gallons a day in a single household - it is advisable to get that repair done.
Most Faucet Repair Jobs Are Relatively Minor
The good news is that most leaky faucets happen for reasons that are easily remedied.
Faucet replacement is sometimes warranted, but more times than not, the problem is something very minor that can be corrected with a simple repair.
- Worn Faucet Fixture Rubber Seal - The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn rubber seal on the faucet fixture itself. When the seal around the fixture gets old and compresses, it can start to leak. A simple faucet repair to replace the gasket usually takes care of the problem. If other internal parts have become worn as a result of the gasket being worn and a new gasket does not help, then a whole faucet replacement might be necessary.
- Worn Faucet Handle Washer - The next most common cause of leaky faucets is a worn washer under the faucet handle. These tend to wear out in the same way the main gasket does and they leak as the faucet handle is turned or lifted and lowered. Once again, the remedy might be as simple as replacing the washer or it could require faucet repair services to replace the whole mechanism.
- Poorly Installed Seal or Washer - In either case, an improperly installed faucet seal or handle washer might be the problem, too. The wrong size gasket or washer or one that has been put on crooked and does not sit properly to seal off the waterline are common occurrences that also have simple faucet repair solutions; just replace the washer or gasket and make sure it is properly set in.
- Loose Water Supply or Drain Connection - A water supply or drain connection under the sink is another common cause of what seems like a leaky faucet. Unfortunately, these two problems can cause a lot of water damage in the cabinet under the sink, but it is also a fairly easy repair to make.
Get That Leaky Faucet Fixed!
Anyone seeing leaking water around a faucet or water in the cabinet under a sink should make a call to a faucet repair service to get the problem taken care of.
Though these are not extreme plumbing emergencies, any leaking water can cause damage over time, especially when faucet repair is delayed, allowing the leak to worsen.