Why Does My Faucet Keep Dripping?
If you have running water in your home, you already know that water can get expensive. Your water bill can be even higher if you have a leaky faucet. Here is why your faucet may be dripping and how to fix it.
Leaky faucets can dramatically increase your water bill. In order to save money and reduce the amount of water you are using, you should look for leaky faucets and fix them as soon as possible.
One reason your faucet may be leaking is because of an o-ring problem. The O-ring is the ring that seals your tap. If this ring is loose or damaged, water will continuously flow from your tap, even if you’re not actively using your sink. A professional plumber can find the o-ring and identify if the ring is loose, broken, or the wrong size for your faucet. They can also repair or replace the o-ring to stop the leak.
If the o-ring isn’t the problem, the washer may be. The washer is located directly above the o-ring and seals any gaps in the faucet. If the washer becomes loose, it can fail to control water pressure and lead to leaks.
Water pressure is another reason your faucet may be leaking. The average water pressure is 45 to 55 psi. If your pressure is any higher than this, your faucet may drip. You can test your water pressure at home with a water pressure gauge or you can ask a plumber to perform a pressure test and adjust the pressure if needed.
Hard water contains minerals and solids that can form and reside on a tap. As water flows out of the tap, these minerals can stick to the faucet walls and attract moisture that leads to rust. If you think your faucet may be leaking because it is rusted, check the color of the water when it comes out. If your water is brownish in tint, you probably have rust. Water softeners can assist with rust, but a professional plumber may need to replace your rusted faucet if the damage is too severe.
For assistance repairing your broken faucet, contact Ryan’s Plumbing. You can reach us by phone at 941-256-5580 for an estimate. We look forward to assisting you with your home’s plumbing needs!
