Common Causes Of Leaky Faucets: San Diego Plumbing

A steady leak of a faucet is a common household problem. And, it may not seem like a needed fix. However, a leaky faucet can waste up to five gallons of water a day. This can add up to some extra dollars.

Types of Faucets

The main types of faucets include ceramic disc, cartridge and rotary ball. How a faucet is designed controls how it affects water flow. So, different types of faucets may determine on what type of fix you need. Ceramic disc faucets use ceramic discs with a robber O ring that can wear out quickly. Cartridge faucets are very popular. This is the type of faucet with a handle that you lift up to turn the water on and off. Its design is more complex than a ceramic disc faucet. There are O rings at each end, and usually a leak occurs from the base. A rotary ball faucet is a simple design with O ring construction. As a result, they are the easiest to repair. The main cause of a leak in a rotary ball faucet is a worn O ring.

Common Causes Of Leaky Faucets: San Diego Plumbing

Worn out O rings are the main culprit in a leaky cartridge faucet. This ring is like a gasket that seals the gaps. Over time, the rings wear out and there may be hot and cold water issues mixing or a leak at the base. The entire cartridge will have to removed to determine if the entire cartridge needs to be replaced. A loose part is another common cause of leaky faucets. There are many parts in faucets that need to work in sync. If there is a leak near the base, it’s likely caused by a loose nut or ring. The springs or seals may need to be replaced, too.

When it comes to a leaky faucet, washer issues may also be the culprit. When the water is turned on, the washer presses against the valve seat. Repetitive motion can cause a washer to wear down. In addition, rubber seals can wear down and result in a leaky faucet.

Sediment and corrosion can cause a leaky faucet. Corrosion occurs when sediment builds up in the faucet. It affects the faucet connections like the valve seat. Typically, when this happens, there is a leak around the spout area. The sediment needs to be cleaned out in this case. Lastly, broken pipes or fittings in the plumbing system may be to blame for a leaky faucet.

To save your water from a leaky faucet, turn to the experts at San Diego Plumbing. San Diego Plumbing is the water faucet specialists with years of experience. Their professional plumbers will get to the cause of the problem and repair it right on the spot. Your faucet will work like new by the time they leave. Whether your faucet is not working properly or you’re just looking for something new, give the professionals at San Diego Plumbing Repair a call today.