Home > Blog > Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet

Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet

That constant “drip, drip, drip” is enough to make you crazy. But on top of that, a leaky faucet wastes water and causes your water bills to rise. If you’re wondering why that leaky faucet has started to drip and what will make it stop, here are a few of the most common reasons faucets start to leak:

  • O-ring problems—To hold a faucet’s handle in the right place, a stem screw is usually used. It has a disc that attaches to it, known as an O-ring. If this piece becomes loose or wears out due to regular use, the faucet will start to drip right near the handle.
  • Corrosion—In your sink’s compression mechanism, a valve seal acts as a connection between the spout and the faucet. Water sediment will eventually make this seal start to corrode, which will make your sink’s spout start to leak.
  • Worn-out washer—Worn-out washers are one of the most common reasons faucets drip. Every time you use your sink, the washer is pushed against the valve seal. This everyday friction wears out the washer over time, causing the sink to leak.

Most of the time, you can fix a leaky faucet simply by replacing the worn-out part responsible for the leaking. But in other cases, it’s best to replace the sink. We can help you determine what you need to do to stop the leaking when you call us for help.