A leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but over time that leak can cost you. A drip rate of only one drop per second can waste several gallons of water every 24 hours. If you’ve been paying higher than normal water bills, the cause may lie with that leaky faucet.

What Causes Faucet Leaks?

What causes a faucet to start leaking? A faucet can start to leak for many reasons. One of the leading causes of leaking faucets is worn-out or damaged components.

Over time, the washers, O-rings, seals, and other components inside a faucet can begin to show signs of age and wear. This can create gaps or openings that allow water to seep through even when the tap is closed.

Other causes of leaking faucets can include:

• Loose or damaged connections
• Corrosion or mineral buildup
• Improper installation
• Manufacturing defect
• Environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures or exposure to sunlight can cause leaks in your outdoor faucets

If you’re experiencing a leaky faucet, it’s best to address the problem as soon as possible. Repairing or replacing the damaged components of a faucet prevents further damage and water waste. If you’re unsure about how to fix a leaking faucet, give an Oceanside, CA plumber a call.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Before you start repairs, it’s important to know which type of faucet you have. Which type of faucet has been installed in your sink will determine how it needs to be repaired and the parts required. These are the four most common types of faucets:

• Compression washer faucets have been around for a while and are still commonly used today. Compression washer faucets have two handles (hot and cold) that move side to side and use washers to prevent leaks.
• Cartridge faucets are typically found in bathrooms and have handles that move up and down to turn the water on and off. They contain a cartridge that moves up and down to control the water flow.
• Ball faucets have a single handle and use a ball joint to control the flow of hot and cold water.
• Disc faucets are operated using a single lever sitting atop a cylindrical body.
• Before you start repairs, turn off the water supply to the sink. A flathead screwdriver is used to remove the faucet handles. Next, remove the inner valve stem or cartridge. Once you’ve removed these components, carefully inspect them to determine what part needs to be replaced to fix the leaking faucet.

Leaking Faucet Repairs in Oceanside, CA

If you lack the tools or experience to fix a leaky faucet, give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration a call. We’ve provided outstanding plumbing repair services to home and business owners throughout the Oceanside, CA area since 2012. During that time we’ve repaired almost half a million water leaks!

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration’s team of licensed, Oceanside, CA plumbers have the equipment and know how to fix just about any water leak, usually in one visit. We provide emergency 24/7 plumbing services as well. In most cases, one of our plumbers can be on site within an hour of your call.

You can get in touch with 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website or call us at 866-437-0205.