Dripping faucets can cause many problems. While some problems may be minor, others can cause serious damage to your home or pose safety hazards. This article is written by plumbing experts. They share the dangers homeowners need to be aware of, as well as simple fixes that can help protect your home.
The Impact Of A Dripping Faucet
Damage is the biggest problem with continuous leakage. Water can damage surfaces around the faucet – countertops and shelves, floors, and floors are all susceptible.
If the leak is severe enough, the foundation will be next in line. These damp conditions can also lead to mold development which is the greatest threat to homeowner’s health. Leaky faucets could waste as much as 3,000 gallons per year. That’s 180 wasted hot showers, to put it in layman’s terms. This would result in a huge water bill. Dripping faucets can lead to a 10% increase in your monthly water bill.
Why is it leaking?
Leaky faucets can cause many problems. However, there are a few things that could be causing the leakage: corrosion, defective gaskets, or o-rings. Corrosion refers to the corrosion of the metal deposits that are formed in the water.
Water will spurt if there are defective o-rings. The rubber that seals the faucet is now loose. Mineral deposits could also be an issue. Calcium salts build up in the pipes and then back up in the faucet.
Repairing the Leak
To fix a corroded faucet, you can let it soak in vinegar for a while to loosen the corroded parts. Use a sponge to scrub the faucet. Repeat if necessary. You will need to follow a few steps when you replace the sink cartridge. First, turn off the water supply to the sink.
Prior to moving forward, make sure that the valve has been closed completely. The hot and cold valves should be turned on to stop water from dripping into the sink. This will allow the water pipes to drain completely. Take off the handles and expose the screws below. Turn them upside down. Once the screws have been removed, pull them up.
The cartridge should be clearly visible. It is a clear plastic cylinder with notches at the sides. Take the cartridge out. After the cartridge is removed, check the faucet for the O-ring. It can be removed if it does not slip off. Make sure you clean the faucet of any debris and drain any water. It’s now time to install the new cartridge and reassemble your sink. This process may differ depending on the type of sink.