The Facts
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, plumbing leaks can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per household per year. The most common plumbing leaks are caused by:
- Dripping faucets
- Leaks in toilet flappers
- And leaking valves
Fixing any of these leaks can save you 10% on your monthly water bill.
Because dripping faucets can waste such a significant amount of water, not fixing them can have a huge impact on the environment. By not taking care of a problem with your home’s faucet, you’re wasting money and a valuable resource.
So Why is Your Faucet Dripping?
Here are a few of the most common causes of faucet leaks:
Loose Parts
Your faucet is used very frequently, so it’s easy for some of its inner-workings to come loose over time. There are many moving parts within your faucets and when they come loose, it may cause leakage at the handle of the faucet. You may need to tight these parts of your faucet, or they may need to be replaced.
Worn Out Seals
Disc faucets have inlet and outlet seals which are necessary to keeping the faucet functioning properly. Over time, these seals can become worn out with constant use and sediment build-up, which can cause your faucet to leak. Our plumbing repair specialists recommend you have the water sediments cleaned regularly to make sure your faucet is functioning properly. You also may need to replace your seals to ensure the proper functioning of your faucet.
Broken Plumbing
Although it’s less common than these other causes, it is possible that your faucet leak is being caused by a broken pipe, broken fitting, or some other problem with your plumbing systems. These problems can cause a shift in your plumbing’s water pressure, which may cause leaks. If you’ve tried other solutions, you may need to contact a professional plumber to evaluate your plumbing system.
