Reasons Your Faucet Might Be Leaking and How To Fix Them

Updated February 22, 2024

No one enjoys a dripping faucet. In addition to the sound, it also wastes water and increases your utility bills. If the leak is left unchecked, it can cause some major damage. Here are a few reasons why your faucet might be leaking.

Loose Washer or O-Ring

If you notice a leak, try checking the tightness of the washers and O-rings. Over time, these small components can become loose, allowing water to seep through the gaps and cause a leak. If they're loose, simply tighten them up with a wrench and see if that stops the leak. If not, you may need to replace the washers or O-rings entirely. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy repair that anyone can do with a little bit of time and patience.

Corroded Valve Seat

The valve seat is the part of the faucet that the valve stem seals against when the faucet is turned off. Over time, sediment and minerals can build up on the valve seat, causing it to become corroded. When this happens, the seal between the valve stem and valve seat is no longer watertight, which leads to leaks. There are a few easy ways to avoid a corroded valve seat. One simple solution is cleaning your faucet regularly with soap and water. This will help remove any build-up of sediment and minerals.

Improperly Installed Washer

When a washer is not installed correctly, it can cause the packing nut to loosen, which leads to a leaky faucet. To avoid this problem, make sure that the washer is installed correctly by following a few easy steps. First, remove the old washer and clean the surface. Next, place the new washer on the surface and align it properly. Finally, use a wrench to tighten the packing nut until it is a snug fit.

Get in Touch With Plumbing Professionals Today!

Is your water heater on the fritz? Are you dealing with a plumbing leak? Half Moon Plumbing is here to help. We offer a wide range of services, including water heater repair and replacement, camera inspections, leak detection, and drain cleaning, to the residents of Owasso, OK. We also offer to finance on approved credit, so you can get the repairs you need without breaking the bank. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.