A leaking faucet may not seem like a major plumbing problem, but the cost adds up as all that water runs down the drain day and night. In some cases, water damage can result. Either way, preventing leaks and getting them repaired quickly saves you money in the long run. If you understand what’s wrong with your faucet, it’s easier to get it fixed and avoid a repeat in the future, so here are the most common reasons for a drip or leak.

What Plumbing Parts Cause Faucet Leaks?

1. O-Ring

An O-ring is a small ring of rubber that helps create a seal where plumbing parts come together. It can be found at the base of the spout and around the valve stem. O-rings deteriorate over time due to simple wear, so if you have a leak from the base of the spout or the valve, a simple replacement is usually all you need to fix it. However, if the metal in the area is corroded and pitted, the O-ring won’t be able to form a seal with it, so a plumber might have to replace the faucet instead.

2. Valve Seat

The valve seat connects the faucet and spout inside the faucet’s compression mechanism, where the valve rests. In older models, these were made of brass, but newer ones are usually made of plastic. When they get dirty from sediment in the water, the valve may not seat correctly, causing leaks around the spout. 

Disassembly and cleaning can usually fix this problem. If the part is corroded, though, you may need to replace the whole assembly. You can slow down both the accumulation of sediment and the corrosion process by adding a whole-home water purification system.

3. Washer

The faucet’s washer is what seals off the water or allows it through when you turn the faucet on. It gets pushed against the valve seat when you use it and will eventually wear out. You can slow this process by being gentle with the handle or knob rather than yanking it. 

When the washer does wear out, a small amount of water will continue to flow from the end of the spout when you turn it off because the washer isn’t making a complete seal. This is the most common cause of a dripping faucet.

If you need faucet or water line repairs, call Plumb Doctor in Marietta, GA. Serving Cobb County for more than a decade, this family-owned and -operated plumbing company is licensed, bonded, and insured. They offer 24-hour service for emergencies and will beat any written offer from another company by 10%. Call (770) 912-8922 or visit their website to schedule a service appointment.