The drip-drip of a leaky faucet can be annoying and distract you from work or sleep. You might not realize how much water is wasted due to leaks until your next water bill arrives. That’s why it’s important to fix the problem as soon as possible.
There are a number of reasons why your faucet is leaking when attached to a hose. The common causes are;
- Low water pressure
- The hose Bibb fails to retract properly
- A leaky valve seal
- Worn-out washers
- Leaking cartridge
But depending on the problem, you may be able to fix it yourself without calling a professional. All you need to do is identify what’s causing the leak then provide the appropriate solution.
This article will help you diagnose and fix the most common reasons for a leaky faucet so that your home stays dry and comfortable.
Causes of a Leaky Faucet
Low Water Pressure
The build-up of mineral deposits in the faucet’s head aerator can lead to low water pressure. If you find your faucet dripping for a certain period of time of the day, then your home’s water pressure could be the problem.
Hose Bibb Fails to Retract Properly
A hose bibb that fails to retract properly will cause a constant leak. If you have a hose bibb that doesn’t seem to retract after the water is turned off, then this could be the problem. You can drill out the rivet holding in this part and replace it with a screw-on one.
Worn-Out Washers
Worn-out washers can cause a faucet to leak. The washers that rest against the valve seat will develop friction between the two parts, making the washers wear out. Installing the washers incorrectly and of the wrong size can also cause a faucet to leak.
Leaking Cartridge
A cartridge that’s leaking will lead to a constant drip from the faucet. Replacing this part should fix the dripping issue.
A Leaky O-Ring
If you’ve got a leaky cartridge, then this could be another problem causing a hose leak. A cartridge valve controls water flowing into your faucet spout. So, if it’s leaking, it could be due to a faulty O-ring. Replacing this part should fix the dripping issue.
A Leaky Valve Seat
A leaking valve seat prevents water from flowing into your faucet spout. As stated earlier, a washer worn out or installed incorrectly can cause a valve seat to leak. A leaky valve seat may be a result of corrosion. Mineral build-up can corrode the valve seat. So, you can remedy this by regularly cleaning your valve seat with the help of a professional.
Worn-Out Seals
A worn-out seal causes a leak from the stem of your faucet. A washer is installed around a stem to prevent water from leaking out. As time goes by, you will probably need to replace this part as they wear down over time which can cause a drip.
Broken Parts
A broken faucet handle can be a reason for your leak. The pin inside the handle may get loose and cause dripping. This is usually because of mishandling or high water pressure that puts too much force on the handle. Sometimes, internal malfunctioning may contribute to this problem as well.
Loose Parts
A loose faucet handle or a part may cause leakage from your sink. Make sure that all parts are tight and secure to prevent water from spilling out.
The Leaking Spray Head
Sometimes, the hose might not be the reason why your faucet is leaking. A spray head may be loose or has a hole, which causes water to spray out. Ensure that the hose is firmly connected and there are no holes in the lower end of it.
Sticking Water Handle
If your water handle starts sticking when you try to use it, there may be a mineral deposit or other residues on it. You can fix the problem by disassembling and washing the faucet handle with vinegar and hot water.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Identify Your Type of Faucet
There are three basic types of faucets: compression, cartridge, and ball type. After knowing the type of faucet you have, you can then proceed to the next step.
Shut Off the Water from the Leaking Faucet
This is the most important thing to do if you want to fix a leaky faucet. Turn off your water supply from your house. If there’s no valve near the faucet, turn off the main water valve from your water supply or tank.
Remove Your Faucet Handle
Take your pliers and find a way to remove your faucet’s handle. Usually, it will have an Allen wrench screw on it. If it doesn’t work using the wrench, try using a flat-head screwdriver to take off the handle.
Loosen the Packing Nut
Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut and the stem. Check if there’s any damage to these parts. And if there is, then don’t hesitate to replace them.
Remove the Valve Stem from the Faucet Body
Use a wrench to take the valve stem off from the faucet body. On some types of faucets, you may be required to turn the stem in the clockwise direction, unlike the traditional counter-clockwise direction.
Remove the Washer and O-Ring
Find your washer and remove it if you can. If it’s too tight, find something that you can use as an alternative. It could be anything like a flat-head screwdriver or any piece of metal that you can insert through the gap in between the washer and the faucet body. Then, remove the O-ring so you can replace it if necessary with a new one or clean it.
Replace the Packing String
If your packing string is damaged, then you need to replace it. If it’s not too damaged and still usable, clean it by wiping its fibers with a rag or paper towel.
Reassemble Your Faucet
Thread your stem back to the faucet body, then thread the packing nut on top of the faucet. Use a wrench to tighten the packing nut, then return the faucet handle to the stem and check how your faucet operates. Don’t tighten the packing nut too much, as this can make it hard for the handle to turn.
Test Your Faucet
Turn on the water and check the operation of your faucet. Inspect it for any leaks and if you experience leaking around the handle, then tighten the packing nut just a little bit. If it’s still leaking, then tighten the stem and replace the packing nut and test again.
Fix Your Faucet Problems Easily
As you can see, fixing a leaky faucet isn’t as difficult as it seems. In most cases, the problem is easy to fix, and you can solve it within minutes. Even if your faucet isn’t leaking but operates poorly, then these problems are also solvable by replacing worn-out parts.
