Although a leaky faucet might seem like a minor concern, you should have a plumbing repair specialist fix it immediately. Not only is the dripping sound annoying, but the leak could also waste 3,000 gallons of water per year. Below are a few reasons why faucets leak to help you determine the cause of your particular situation. 

What Causes a Faucet to Leak?

1. Worn O-Rings

An O-ring is a rubber gasket that sits at the base of a faucet. When water isn’t running, the O-ring presses against a rotary ball to seal the fixture. When you turn the faucet on, the rotary ball moves away from the O-ring, allowing water to flow. However, this component can corrode over time. When this happens, it can’t provide a watertight seal with the rotary ball, and water will leak from the faucet. A plumbing repair technician can replace the old gasket to correct the problem and ensure you do not waste water.

2. Damage to Valve Seats

The faucet connects to the spout through a valve seat. Calcium, magnesium, and sediment in the water can corrode the part over time, causing water to drip from the spout when the faucet is off. Depending on the type of faucet that you have, a plumbing repair technician can remove the valve seat and replace it with a new one. However, some fixtures require you to replace the entire faucet, as you cannot access the valve seat easily. 

3. Faulty Washers

A washer is typically rubber or plastic, and it blocks the flow of water when a faucet is off. When water is running, a washer presses against the valve seat to allow water through. This movement will eventually wear down the washer until it can’t prevent water flow when you turn faucet off. If you catch the leak early enough, you can replace the washer before it leads to more damage to the faucet and wastes considerable water.

For plumbing repairs to fix leaky faucets and water waste, contact Gonzo's Plumbing Service & Repair in Bullhead City, AZ. The skilled technicians at this family-owned and -operated business are available 24/7 to tend to broken pipes, faulty water heaters, and other concerns regarding residential plumbing systems. Visit them online for more information about their services. To get a free estimate in Mohave County, call (928) 727-1966.