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Do you know water dripping through faucets can waste 30 gallons of water in a single day, costing you hundreds of dollars? But what causes a faucet to drip? The most common reasons for a dripping faucet are defective O-ring, worn out the washer, corrosive valve seat, and poor installation of faucet parts.
It might not be concerning for you for the time being, but gallons of water will be wasted over time, increasing your monthly bills. However, this usually happens due to plenty of issues with the system that must be resolved.
In this guide, we have elaborated on all the possible reasons for what can cause a faucet to drip and how to fix it. Read out to learn more.
You can also see our guide about how to replace the Delta faucet cartridge.
What Causes A Faucet To Drip? 7 Most Common Reasons
Faucets are the most overlooked parts of your home, and due to their extensive use, they often require maintenance. Ignoring even a minor problem can lead to serious consequences leading to increased water usage costs, disturbed sleep due to sound, and water stains around kitchen areas.
Studies have revealed that almost 1 trillion gallons of water are lost in the US on an annual basis due to leaky faucets. Though there isn’t a single reason why your faucet is dripping, the most noticed causes are listed below:
Faulty O-Ring
If you notice water dripping from your faucet. Check the O-ring, as it is a common culprit.
The O-ring is a small ring made of rubber present around the valve stem. With the regular use of faucets, the ring gets damaged or loose over time.
If water is dripping through the faucet handle, it can possibly be due to a faulty O-ring. You can fix it simply by replacing the defective O-ring with a new one.
Rusted Valve Seat
Most bathroom faucets drip due to corroded or rusted valve seats. If you notice water leaks from the nozzle, the valve seat connecting the faucet and nozzle might be causing the problem due to defects.
This normally happens in hard water areas where limescale deposit cause blocking and lead to rust in different faucet areas, including its nozzle. The solution to this problem is simple and easy. Clean the valve seat to get rid of rust and restore the normal functioning of the faucet.
Issues With Washer
If the faucet spout leaks, the problem could be with the washer. The washer is located near the valve seat and wears out over time due to excessive friction.
During installation, if the washer isn’t adjusted properly, it will also cause water to drip through compression faucets.
Faulty Spare Parts
Sometimes the issue doesn’t exist at one point; multiple faulty parts could cause a faucet to drip water. It occurs when a normally functioning faucet that allows constant water flow wears out after prolonged use. The faucet will require quick replacement, or you may need to install new parts in place of the faulty parts.
But fixing it is easy because it requires gripping and tightening the tweaking ring at the ball socket lever of the faucet. However, the dripping water from base regions or seals will only be fixed by replacement.
Poor Installation
Any mistake made in the installation of faucet parts or its washer can lead to the problem of water dripping.
But the best solution to this issue is hiring a plumber to check if the faucet is installed correctly or needs adjustments. The correct installation is the only way to get rid of constant water leaks through the faucet.
Damaged Seal
Like the valve seat, the damaged inlet and outlet seals can cause water leaks. Even the deposition of limescale or build-up corrodes these seals, which you can repair or replace depending on their condition.
Exceeded Water Pressure
Another common cause of faucet drip water is high water pressure. This starts from small leaks in the faucet to larger leaks in pipes and other areas leading to worse scenarios.
See the best method how to change the sink faucets in our blog.
How to Fix A Dripping Faucet? Step-By-Step
Whatever is causing your faucet to drip, you must fix it to avoid long-term damage to your home areas and reduce water bills. You can do this simple DIY fix without hiring a professional plumber.
Follow the step-by-step guidelines to fix a leaky or dripping faucet:
Required Tools
To start this DIY project, you will need the following tools:
- Pliers
- Allen wrench
- Sink stopper
- Faucet cartridge
- Towel
- Philips head screwdriver
- Sealant
Method
- Start with shutting off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valves beneath the sink and rotate them clockwise.
- Once all water connections are turned off, detach the faucet parts. Use a screwdriver to remove the faucet handle.
- After removing the handle, you will see the valve stem and cartridge, which you can remove easily. However, a brass valve stem can’t be unscrewed in compression faucets, but you can pull out the cartridge.
- Once all parts of the faucet are taken apart, inspect each part, such as the O-ring, washer, or seals, to find the fault so you can fix it.
- If you find any part damaged, replace it with a new one by installation.
- If mineral buildup is around the valve, clean it using a vinegar solution.
- Put all the faucet components together and screw them tightly. Turn on the water supply and test if there are any leaks.
FAQs
Why Does My Faucet Drip After I Turn It Off?
If your bathroom sink faucet drips or leaks from the head even when you turn it off, the issue could be inside the seal of the faucet head. The seal will not prevent leaks and cause continuous drip. You can replace the seal or call a professional plumber to resolve the issue.
Is It Bad If A Faucet Drips?
A dripping faucet isn’t a normal and good thing that should be fixed immediately to avoid water wastage. This will increase your water bills and can also lead to massive damage.
What Are The Signs Of A Leaking Pipe?
Here are the following signs of faucet or pipe leakage in your home:
- Increased water bills
- Mold and mildew growth
- Stained ceiling and damaged walls
- Musty smell in home areas
- Your electricity meter is continuously running.
Also See: Where Are Ruvati Sinks Made?
Wrapping Up
A faulty faucet usually drips if its parts are damaged or broken, which can disrupt your lifestyle. However, the solution is easy with simple maintenance and repair.
You can find a reasonable solution by knowing the cause of the faucet drip. We hope the guidelines we provided will help you identify the problems with your faucets and fix them.
