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Don't Let a Leaky Faucet Ruin the Romantic Mood

Posted on | by lsnow

Is There Anything Romantic About a Dripping Faucet?

Valentine’s Day might be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend time planning a night with loved ones without worrying about the plumbing system. Instead of thinking about home repairs, take advice from local plumbers by learning how to deal with faucet leaks. Homeowners can enjoy a nice night out free from worries. 

Risks of a Dripping Faucet

water bill

A dripping faucet is a common plumbing problem. Since they are so common, they can be easy to overlook or neglect. However, a dripping faucet deserves attention because it can cause damage and waste money in the form of wasted water. 

A dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons per month by dripping just one drop per second. Not only does that raise water bills, but sewer bills will go up as well. Repairing a water leak will often pay for itself in a month or two by reducing costs. 

Another risk of a dripping faucet is mold growth. Faucets can leak around the handles, allowing water to flow where it wasn’t intended. Water that is allowed to back up against drywall and wood cabinets can grow mold and damage the cabinets and walls. 

What Causes Leaky Faucets?

Faucets may seem complex but really, they are pretty simple. Faucets leaks have been among the most common plumbing problems over the years, so manufacturers have made design changes that lessen their likelihood and make repair easier. 

Some of the causes of a leaking faucet are: 

  • Worn O-Ring: O-rings prevent water from leaking out of the faucet handles. If trickles of water seep out of the handles of a faucet, the cause is a worn O-ring. 
  • Damaged Valve Seat: The valve seat is where the sink cartridge rests to cut off water flow when the faucet is turned off. If a sink is constantly dripping water, the valve seat or washer is likely the cause. 
  • Malfunctioning Pressure Regulator: In rare cases, faucet leaks can be caused by fluctuating water pressure. If multiple sinks are leaking and replacing the cartridges doesn’t fix the problem, have a plumber check the pressure regulator that serves the home. 

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

faucetRegardless of the cause of the leaky faucet, most faucet leaks are fixed by replacing what is called the “cartridge.” The cartridge is a mechanism that lives inside the sink handle, out of sight. Most cartridges contain the O-ring and the seats, the two most common sites of leaks. 

To replace a cartridge, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off water at the shut-off valves below the sink
  2. Turn the faucet on to relieve the pressure built up in the water lines. Plug the sink to prevent the part from falling into the drain. 
  3. Remove faucet handles by locating and loosening set screws
  4. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen nuts that secure the existing cartridges
  5. Remove old cartridges
  6. At this point, it is a great idea to check for and replace valve seats as well. They will be located at the bottom of the cartridge chamber. 
  7. Tighten nuts to secure new cartridges
  8. Reinstall faucet handles
  9. Restore water pressure to the faucet and check for leaks
  10. If there is any doubt, call a professional for fast service 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

For over ten years, Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning have been helping Lehi customers with plumbing problems. With 24/7 live answers for emergencies and superior customer service, their team is ready to serve. Call today for fast repairs in Lehi, UT.