Does Your Sink Spurt? Figure Out Why Your Faucet Leaks

A lot of sink problems are easy to identify—if water backs up in the drain, you probably have a clog, and if the faucet drips even when the handle is turned off, there’s a leak there. However, there are other types of faucet leaks that might not be quite so easy to spot.

If you need help fixing your leaking faucet, don’t hesitate to call the professionals—Rooter Express can help you resolve the problem. Here’s an overview of what to check if your faucet seems to be leaking:

• Dripping spouts: If water is coming out of the faucet even when it’s turned off, or you find yourself having to position the handle just right to stop the water flow, you can fix this in one of two ways. If you have a compression faucet, which are generally found in older homes, you can tighten the washers on the faucet stem. Today, many faucets use cartridges, which may be the source of the leak—just replace the cartridge according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the case of compression faucets, you may wish to replace it altogether.
• Water around the base: When you notice water leaking around the base of your faucet and fixtures, it’s likely due to a dried-up or cracked internal O-ring. To test for this, dry the back of your sink where you suspect the water may be leaking, then turn the faucet on. If water collects and puddles around the back, you likely have an O-ring issue. Unscrew the faucet and replace the ring with the size suggested in your owner’s manual. If this doesn’t work, it may indicate that your faucet cartridge is worn out. Replace that and see if that helps fix your leaking faucet.
• Under the sink: You might not notice under-the-sink leaks promptly—how many of us stick our heads under the sink regularly? When you suspect a leak under the sink, remove everything from the cabinets, then run a bit of water to see where it stems from. Sometimes the leak can be stopped simply by tightening the fittings, but in other cases, the valves or water supply pipes may need to be replaced. If tightening your fittings doesn’t work, call your plumber.

The sooner you notice your plumbing problems and work to address them, the more time and money you’ll save. Get in the habit of checking your faucets regularly in order to prevent further damage.

Fix your leaking faucet

When you want to leave your leaky faucet repair to the professionals, Rooter Express is here to help. We’re available 24/7, so even the most inconvenient emergency won’t be left unaddressed for long. Your plumbing’s functionality is important to everyday life, so we’ll do our best to make sure your repairs are completed quickly, efficiently and affordably. Reach out to us today to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, or for any repairs you need. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Categorised in: Plumbing Maintenance