While it might not seem like an emergency, the steady drip of a leaky faucet can easily become an annoyance in your home. But if you made sure to turn the knobs to their “off” positions, how is the water escaping? If you’re tired of dealing with these minor plumbing leaks, use the following guide to get to the root of the problem.

Why Is Your Faucet Leaking?

1. Faulty O-Ring

A stem screw is used to secure the handle of a faucet, and this component is attached to a disc called an O-ring. Over time, natural wear and tear can loosen the O-ring, causing water to escape near the handle and drip onto or around your sink. Luckily, this type of plumbing leak can be fixed with a quick part replacement. 

2. Worn-Down Washer

To keep water from leaking out, faucets contain washers, flattened rubber discs with a hole in the middle like a doughnut. Since this component rests against the valve seat, it can wear thin over time as a result of the friction. The smaller size allows water to slip through, especially in compression faucets. This plumbing leak can also be caused by an improperly installed or inaccurately sized washer.

3. Rusty Valve Seat

The valve seat that the washer rests against connects the faucet with the spout inside a compression faucet. Over time, trace minerals in your water supply can build up on this component, resulting in corrosion. Corrosion eats away at metal, allowing water to leak from the spout. If your faucet’s valve seat is covered in sediment, it may need to be replaced.

The next time you encounter a plumbing leak, don’t learn to live with the dripping — get in touch with Keefe Plumbing Company of Chattanooga, TN. They have more than 60 years of experience taking care of residential and commercial plumbing systems, and they can get to the bottom of your leaky kitchen or bathroom sink to prevent high water bills and water damage. They also offer 24/7 service for plumbing emergencies. To learn more about their work, visit the website, or call (423) 622-3178 to schedule an appointment today.