Leaky Faucets-Why They Happen and How to Prevent Them

Leaky faucets can not only be a nuisance but can cost money as well. Beyond your basic costs of repairs, you can lose a lot more money than you think just by the faucet leaking alone. There are many different reasons as to why the faucet may leak but the good news is there are ways to prevent this from happening as well.

Kitchen faucets can spring a leak for many different reasons but most are usually a quick and easy fix. Most of the kitchen faucet leaks have to do with the O Ring. The O Ring is a small disc attached to the screw that holds the handle of the faucet in place. If you notice a leak near the handle it may mean that the O Ring needs to be replaced or at least tightened.
If not the O RIng another reason for a leaky faucet can be a corroded valve seat. The valve seat is what connects the spout and faucet so this type of leak is located right near the spout. If water sediments accumulate the valve seat can become corroded. The good news is that as long as you keep with a regular cleaning schedule this can be easily avoided.
Another common cause is the washer. It could either be loose of just improperly installed which can be the reason for the leak. Every time the faucet is used the washer is pressed against the valve seat and over time can wear down.

Leaks aren’t just for the kitchen faucets they can spring up in the bathroom as well. Most of the time these leaks are from the same issues as the kitchen faucets like washers and valve seats. Always keep an eye on washers and valve seats to make sure they are installed properly and maintained to prevent leaks from happening. Another reason for bathroom leaks can be in your shower head. A lot of limescale can build up in your shower causing a leak, but this can be easily fixed. Remove your shower head and place it in a bowl or bucket of white vinegar so that the showerhead is completely submerged. After the showerhead has soaked overnight scrub the head with a toothbrush to loosen anything left and rinse it off and you’ll be ready for free-flowing showers in no time!

There are many reasons a leak can spring but they are important to fix right away. Leaks can turn into water damage depending on the severity and cause a lot of expensive issues than if it had been fixed in the beginning. Leaks can send water bills through the roof and even some of the smallest and seemingly insignificant leaks can turn into a huge water bill in no time. Fixing a leaky faucet may seem like a waste of time and expensive but you can really pay the price down the line if left untreated. Not only can you be facing expensive water bills but the cost of fixing potential damage as well.