Drip, drip, drip — ugh! It’s the dreaded sound of a leaky faucet.
Plumbing issues can be some of the most annoying and tricky problems for any business or commercial building owner.
Did you know that even the smallest unattended leak can waste upwards of 11 litres (3 gallons) of water down the drain per day? Leave it drip-drip-dripping for a whole year, and you’ll have wasted enough water to fill an entire swimming pool and added hundreds of dollars onto your annual water bill.
Don’t panic! There are many reasons your faucet might be leaking:
- Bad o-ring or worn-out cartridge
- Corroded valve seat
- Worn-out washers
- Worn-out seals
- Water Pressure
- Loose or broken parts
Depending on the issue, you might even be able to fix that leaky faucet yourself. But, before you grab your tools, let’s explore some of the 6 most common causes of a leaky faucet:
- Bad O-Ring or Worn-Out Cartridge
A common problem in cartridge faucets is a loose or worn-out O-rings – this is the small disc that’s attached to the stem screw that holds the handle of the faucet in place. Similarly, a leak in a cartridge faucet could also be due to the cartridge itself, which may need to be replaced; both require the matching replacement part in order to make the swap.
- Corroded Valve Seat
If the leak appears to be starting from the spout, it may be an issue with the valve seat, which connects the faucet and the spout. A buildup of water sediments can corrode the valve seat, causing a leak. This can be avoided by scheduling regular maintenance cleanings.
- Worn-Out Washers
Another common cause of spout leakage is problems with the washer that rests against the valve seat. Over time, the friction between these two parts can cause the washer to wear out. Faucet leaks can also occur if the washer is installed incorrectly or is the wrong size.
- Worn-Out Seals
Much like the valve seats, inlet and outlet seals may become corroded by the accumulation of water sediments.
- Water Pressure
If the faucet only tends to drip during certain times of the day, or when you move the handles a certain way, your water pressure could be the culprit.
- Loose or Broken Parts
Adjusting rings and packing nuts in the stream screw can also become loose over time, causing your sink handle to start leaking. In this case, tightening or replacing the packing nut will usually do the trick.
However, if the leak is coming from the pipes underneath the sink, the cause is most likely a broken pipe or fitting. That’s when you know it’s definitely time to give us a call.
Once you’ve figured out the root cause of that pesky leaky faucet, you may be able to repair it yourself. PRO TIP: Whatever your situation appears to be – ensure that you turn off your water supply before doing any work. However, it may still be an issue that requires some professional assistance.
Our helpful team at Cascade Mechanical is ready to assist you with any of your commercial and industrial plumbing needs, day or night. We use the highest quality products and parts available to ensure you get the best service possible – guaranteed!
Book a Service Appointment, today.