The sound of water dripping is more than just an annoyance. Even though water may only be coming out one drop at a time, it’s going to add up to a significant amount quickly and can increase water costs. When there is a leaking faucet, it’s important to find the cause and repair it quickly. A plumber can help with leak detection and make sure it’s fixed fast. 

Leak Detection: What Causes a Faucet to Drip

A leaky faucet is a common occurrence in homes, and often it will have a repairable solution. Homeowners should not ignore the leaky faucet, as this can lead to more damage over time, just like a clogged drain or burst pipe that requires a new pipe installation. Some of the main causes include the following. 

The O-Ring

The O-ring in the faucet is typically made from rubber and can wear out over time. If the O-ring wears out, it no longer seals the faucet, and water can leak. 

Rust or Corrosion

Rust or corrosion in the faucet can cause holes or cracks to appear, which will lead to water leaking. A replacement is needed to stop the water leak. 

Loose Components

If the plumbing inside the faucet or related components are loose, water can start to leak. Tightening the components properly can stop this from happening. 

Damaged Faucet

If the faucet has been damaged in any way, leaks can occur and will cause water to drip. 

Why Are All my Faucets Leaking All of a Sudden?

Typically, just one faucet will start to leak at a time, even if the faucets are older and parts are starting to wear out. If all of the faucets start to leak, though, the situation may be more serious. In cases where all of the faucets start to leak at the same time, it’s often due to the water pressure. If the pressure is too high, it may push some of the water out of the faucets, causing the leak. A plumber may be needed to fix this, as it involves measuring the pressure and adjusting or replacing  the regulator to the correct pressure. 

Leak Detection: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

If the faucet is leaking, there may be a repairable solution. When it is, our plumbing services are available to help fix the problem and stop the leak. Some of the solutions available include the following. 

Tighten Plumbing

Tightening any loose components may fix the issue. In most cases, tools commonly used around the home can be used to tighten the components, but care does need to be taken to prevent overtightening them and causing them to break. 

Replace Components

Components inside the faucet, such as the O-ring or the cartridge, may be replaceable. This involves removing the faucet, which can be difficult to do depending on the installation. Once the faucet is removed, the components can be replaced, and the faucet can be reinstalled. 

Replace the Faucet

If there is rust or corrosion, or multiple components are wearing out, it may be better to replace the faucet. Though specialized tools may be needed, the ones used to replace a faucet are generally inexpensive. New faucets often come with instructions to help with the installation. 

Leaking faucets can happen in any home, and there are a few different causes. When a faucet starts to leak, the first step should be leak detection to find out why it’s leaking. From there, calling a professional for emergency plumbing services may be needed. At Ethical Plumbing, we offer pipe installation, clogged drain repairs, and water leak detection and repairs. If your faucet is leaking, contact us at (864) 438-0525 to get it fixed.