Written on: October 14, 2024
At Swezey Fuel, we’re proud to have a team of experienced, licensed plumbers who can handle just about any plumbing issue you may have. That could mean clearing a clog, installing a water heater or any plumbing service in between.
In this article, we want to discuss one of the most common calls we receive in Suffolk County — leaking faucets. There are several possible culprits for a faucet drip in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. Here’s a list of some reasons for persistent drips and whether you can fix them on your own.
Does your leaky faucet have two handles? These fixtures are known as cartridge-style faucets because each handle contains a cartridge with a disc. The cartridges regulate the water flow. Over time, these cartridges can wear down, become damaged or get out of position, allowing water to slip through and causing a persistent drip.
How to fix it? You could visit a hardware store for a replacement cartridge and install it yourself. Alternatively, a plumber can handle the job quickly.
The culprit might also be a loose or damaged washer located at the base of the fixture. This washer moves to allow water to pass through. Repeated use can create friction, leading the washer to wear out, break or move out of alignment. In some cases, the faucet’s installer might have used the wrong size washer, causing a leak.
How to fix it? As with a cartridge issue, you can replace the washer on your own or call a professional.
Your faucet’s valve seat is found at the base of the fixture and connects the faucet cartridge to the valve that delivers water. If the valve seat becomes corroded, water will leak out. Depending on whether your valve seat is plastic or metal, it will need to be either replaced or resurfaced.
How to fix it? Reach out to a plumber to handle this repair.
The O-ring (or O-rings — there can be several) holds your faucet in place. Made of rubber, O-rings can be found around the valve stem and may wear out and break over time. Replacing a damaged O-ring can fix a leaky faucet quickly.
How to fix it? Many homeowners prefer to have a professional plumber handle this process because, although it’s a relatively quick job, it requires removing much of the fixture.
The issue might also be due to excessive water pressure in your plumbing. This is often the culprit when the leak only occurs at certain times of the day or when you only get a drip when the faucet is at a particular angle.
How to fix it? Addressing high water pressure requires a professional plumber.
Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to fix a leaking faucet. Turn to the expert plumbing team at Swezey Fuel. We can fix your plumbing issue quickly, and we’ll leave your home as clean or cleaner than we found it.
Make it easy with Swezey. Contact our office to set up a plumbing services appointment.