Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Avoid Fixing Dripping Faucets: The Price of Inaction

Considering your packed routine, it’s exhausting to find a leaking kitchen or bathroom faucet to ignore this issue as a minor concern, but leaky faucets can cause more significant problems if left unaddressed right away. Find out what causes faucet leaks, why you shouldn’t ignore one, and how calling a plumber can save you money, time and anxiety.

Why Get Help from Expert Plumbers?

Getting an Expert for plumbing services can save you time and money. Plumbers have the tools and knowledge needed to properly diagnose and fix the problem.

1. Expert Advice

Professional plumbers can offer valuable advice and recommendations on ways to prevent future problems and maintain your plumbing pipes so they stay in top shape.

2. Budget-Friendly Solution

While a leaky faucet might appear closer to a small annoyance, not addressing it for too long will often result in bigger bills in the future, including bigger water bills and in severe cases, foundation damage. Getting a plumber for quick repairs is an affordable decision.

3. Peace of Mind

With an Expert taking care of the problem, you can count on the fact that the solution lasts, avoiding future leaks and instead offering peace of mind.

What Can Cause a Leaky Faucet

You rely on your fixtures to work as designed, but a leaky faucet can still pop up for a few different reasons. Here are the most common sources of leaks.

1. Broken Gasket
   The gasket provides another seal between the faucet and the surrounding sink or countertop. A cracked gasket is the likely culprit if the bottom of your faucet is leaking. Over time, gaskets can crack or become misshapen, weakening the seal’s effectiveness. Just like O-rings, gaskets are comparatively cheap and easy to replace, but choosing the correct replacement gasket is the first step.
2. Damage to the O-Ring
   The O-ring is a small rubber seal that helps provide a leak-proof seal for the faucet. O-rings are worn and thinned down over time, allowing water to leak along the faucet handle. They’re typically made from resilient rubber, but even the finest materials break down with such heavy use and water exposure. Replacing a worn-out O-ring is a simple fix, but it needs the correct dimensions and model for your faucet.
3. A Rusty Valve Seat
   A component known as the valve seat is what links the faucet itself to the spout and controls the water flowing through. Rust or other deterioration of the valve seat can cause the spout to leak. Clogs and mineral deposits from hard water the most common cause of valve seat corrosion and leaks. Frequent cleaning is helpful for preventing buildup, but if the corrosion is extensive, the valve seat may have to be replaced.
4. A Washer Was Installed Poorly
   A worn-out or improperly installed washer can be something else that will often cause leaks. Washers tend to break sooner than other pieces because of the heavy pressure placed on them, so they often need more regular attention.

Other Possible Complications Caused by Leaking Faucets

Ignoring a leaky faucet makes you vulnerable to a number of other plumbing issues than you might think. Here are the possible costs of inaction:

• Constant Drip Sounds: The nonstop drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be incredibly irritating, especially in quiet homes or when you’re going to sleep. The constant noise, even of something as minor as a dripping faucet, can still lead to extra anxiety.
• Decreased Water Pressure: A dripping faucet can lead to a decline in water pressure, making it difficult to operate other plumbing features. Decreased water pressure can also make it difficult to wash dishes and run applicances that require adequate water pressure.
• Higher Risk of Pest Infestations: Even small amounts of water attract pests looking for food, water or just a place to hide. A dripping faucet can encourage a breeding ground for insects and rodents, particularly in moist areas including under the sink. If ignored for too long pest issues will require pricey extermination and prevention treatment services.
• Wasted Water and Higher Bills: A leaky faucet squanders more water than you may think. According to the EPA, one drip each second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, or as much as taking 180 showers. This much waste is bad for the ecosystem and increases your monthly water bill.

Arrange Leaky Faucet Repair Now

If you spy any of the likely signs of a leaky faucet, don’t wait—contact Crawford Services for reliable leaky faucet repair. We offer quick, longer-lasting repairs to all your plumbing problems. Contact us today for professional help.