Leaky Faucet: How Much Should You Care?
Whether it’s the annoying, constant drip, drip, dripping of a leaky faucet or the skyrocketing water bills that are bothering you, leaks are a common home problem. A problem that usually has an easy fix. Commonly, leaks are found in worn out toilet flappers, sink faucets, showerheads and other leaking valves.
Let’s take a look at the reasons you should fix your leaky faucet, what causes them and what to do about it.
Problems with a Leaky Faucet
It might seem like a minimal problem – it’s just a drip after all…right? Wrong. If you procrastinate on fixing the leak, it will not only cost you a lot of money, but can waste a significant amount of water.
According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency, “The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That’s the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers!”
In fact, fix your water leak and you could save about 10 percent on your water bill!
In addition to expensive water bills and environmental damage, an unchecked leak can place unnecessary stress on your plumbing, leading to drain clogs and overflows. This leaves NJ homeowners susceptible to problems like deteriorating grout, which can result in bigger problems such as pooling water, damaged floorboards, or leaking ceilings.
What Causes a Leaky Faucet?
Several reasons can be to blame for a dripping faucet. Here are four of the most common causes:
- More often than not, a leaky faucet is due to a worn-out rubber seal found on the inside of fixture (usually the washer or O-ring). If this seal becomes cracked, water can seep out when the valve is turned on. If this is the cause, you’ll usually notice a drop near the handle or base of the faucet.
- Another common cause behind a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. Most modern types of compression faucets are designed to lower and raise the washer without grinding it into the valve seat. But if you have an older faucet, a simple replacement of this part will do the trick.
- Leaky faucets can also be caused by DIY gone wrong. If the washer is not installed properly or is the wrong size, it can lead to leaks. Hiring a professional plumber to help you make the installation will ensure you have the job done right the first time.
- And, perhaps the hardest leak to notice, yet the most damaging, is a leak under your sink faucet. This is usually due to loose water supply connections or a drain P-trap that has worn out. If not fixed promptly, it can cause significant property damage to your cabinets, floors and walls.
Many guides are available online for how to fix a leaky faucet. The Do-It-Yourself Network reference on faucet repairs and the DIY University both have good tutorials. Just remember to turn off the water line before you start your fix!
Contact Your Ocean County Plumbing Company
As we mentioned, most of these fixes are relatively simple, but if you’d prefer to skip the DIY route, call the reliable, licensed plumbers at Air Tech. We’ll help you say goodbye to your leak for good.
Read more on plumbing problems, “Top 10 Questions People Ask Plumbers in LBI.”
Our Ship Bottom office is conveniently located on the Causeway, allowing for quick response time to customers’ needs throughout the Long Beach Island and Ocean County, NJ areas. Check out our service area.
