What Causes a Leaky Faucet? 

A common question that many people ask regarding kitchenware is what can be the cause for a leaky faucet. A faucet may leak when there is wear and tear on the part of the faucet or because it has become bent. Sometimes the problem is the hose that connects to the faucet or the wall connectors that attach the faucet to the sink and other fixtures in the kitchen. Leaks often happen in places where food is placed, such as overcooking or in places where ice is sitting for a long period of time. When this happens, it often causes the leaky faucet and requires a fix. 

Getting a leak found and fixed quickly is vital. Even the smallest amount of water can cause severe damage to floors, ceilings, wood furnishings – and electronics – over time. The water that you see may not be the entire issue, and you may not be aware of how long this leak has been happening. If you think about what is below your floor, you will get an idea of the kind of damage that could result. Even if there is a crawl space below your floor, extra moisture can mean weakened structural components and even mold. But if there is a room below your floor, you could be in for a real mess. Stories of water destroying ceilings and even computers of rooms below abound on the internet, and you don’t want some tiny leak to be the next emergency in your life, do you?

Leaks that start by themselves – magically and out of nowhere – rarely disappear by themselves, magically and out of nowhere. In fact, leaks are likely to get worse and worse as more water pushes itself through whatever loose seal or broken part of a fixture has produced those first few drops. Most homes have quite a bit of water pressure, so imagine that on the other side of your leak!

Knowing where to start in diagnosing a leak is sometimes the most difficult part. The issue could be abad O-Ring, worn-out cartridge in a cartridge faucet, a corroded valve seat, worn out washers and seals, loose parts, broken parts, or even just due to more water pressure than a single item in your specific plumbing setup was designed for! Diagnosing is really quite a difficult job, and that’s where getting to know your plumbing is vital if you are trying to do this yourself.

Some leaks can be prevented by never topping off the faucet until the water level has been fully drained from the faucet. Sometimes a faucet will have a valve that allows water to flow from the spout at the bottom, to the valve at the top. If the valve does become worn or old and stops functioning properly, this can cause the faucet to leak. The valve can be easily replaced if it is detected early enough. Be sure to refill the faucet with water and let it drain completely before filling it again. 

Another potential cause for a leaky faucet is a slow draining hose. Sometimes hoses can be made of brass that becomes rusted and breaks off. There are very few materials that can resist corrosion over time. As well, the hose may not run as far as it should, causing a loss of water pressure. This can also cause a leaky faucet. It’s best to have the hoses replaced, if possible, to prevent a leaky faucet. 

Spills and drips can often cause leaks. Leakage can also occur if there are objects in the sink, tub or shower that have built up enough pressure to cause a blockage. These items can be cleaned and cleared, however it’s always a good idea to have a professional check them out to be sure. Professionals can identify leaks and if you need a plumber to assist, find one that specializes and has an excellent reputation – such as this plumber that specializes in a leak detection in Adelaide. 

Leaky faucets often come from damage to the seal. When a faucet is leaking, it can often be caused by a crack or small gasket damage around the spout. Sometimes water can get under the gasket and seal it off. Other times, the gasket can split. Either way, this can cause a leaky faucet. You can fix this type of leaky faucet fairly easily yourself, though you should never attempt to make any modifications to the faucet’s seals without the proper tools and/or knowhow. Oftentimes, it’s easiest to just replace the seal or fixture.

The other main type of leaky faucet is one that is caused by corrosion. This usually occurs when the hot water is conducted through the metal parts in the faucet, or when the cap becomes cracked and weakened over time. It can also be caused by hard water deposits of minerals – especially true in some rural areas. Whatever the case, the first step is to take care of the problem. This can be fixed by submerging the seal in vinegar overnight, in most cases. Use vinegar or distilled water whenever possible, as drinking contaminated water is very harmful. Clean and dry the cracked areas and replace the cap if necessary. Leaks can usually be fixed this way. 

If your leaky faucet problem continues after doing these things and still doesn’t seem to go away, you may need to contact a plumbing professional. They can either diagnose your system and replace everything for you, or they can repair the damage and leaks that have occurred. Your choice will probably depend on the nature of the leaky faucet, the damage it causes, and where it’s located inside your home. Plumbers generally charge more than a handyman, so make sure you take this into consideration before hiring one to fix your faucet. 

Hopefully, after investigating the issue, you have discovered what can be the cause for a leaky

faucet. If you are still not sure, you should contact a trusted plumber to help you figure out the cause of your leaky faucet. Sometimes fixing a leaky faucet is as easy as replacing the part that is damaged. You don’t want to have to pay expensive repairs if the problem can be easily resolved.