Leaky faucets are quite a nuisance. Not only do they irritate the ears with the drip-drip sound, but they also cause water wastage and a higher water bill. For this reason, it is always wise to detect and repair any leaking faucet as soon as possible. If you own a Logan home, you are likely to encounter a leaky faucet from time to time. Fortunately, diagnosing a leaking faucet is an easy process that you can do yourself. In this post, we will guide you on how to diagnose a leaking faucet in your Logan home.

Understanding Different types of Faucet Leaks

First, let’s get you up to speed on the different types of leaks you may be dealing with. There’s the compression faucet, which typically has separate handles for hot and cold water and relies on a rubber washer to stop the flow of water. On the other hand, there’s the washerless faucet, which uses a ball, cartridge, or disc to control water flow. Knowing which type of faucet you have is crucial to figuring out how to diagnose and fix the issue. So, let’s get to work and finally say goodbye to that pesky leak!

Signs of a Leaking Faucet

One sign of a leaky faucet is water dripping from the spout when the faucet is turned off. If the water continues to drip, it is most likely that the O-ring seal in the handle is loose or worn out. You can fix this by turning off the water supply, unscrewing the handle cap, and then tightening the O-ring seal. If the O-ring is damaged, you may need to replace it.
Another sign of a leaky faucet is water leaking from the base of the faucet. When water seeps out from the base, it indicates a faulty O-ring in the stem that is holding the faucet in place. If the O-ring is cracked or worn out, you will need to remove it and replace it with a new one. In some cases, the issue may be with the washer seat or valve seat. The washer seat is the place where the washer sits, while the valve seat is the connection between the spout and faucet. If any of these seats are damaged, they need to be replaced.

Leaking Faucet Solutions

No. 1: Find Location of Leak

If water is leaking from the spout, you need to figure out the location of the leak and fix it accordingly. In a compression faucet, the leak usually originates from the spout when the washer is worn out or damaged. In contrast, washerless faucets tend to have leaks in their seals, spouts, or cartridges. You may need to replace the spout, cartridge or seal or have a professional do it for you if the problem persists.

No. 2: Tighten Loose Connections

Take a few minutes to check for any loose connections and tighten them up. Loose connections can be the culprit behind those pesky leaks. Make sure to check the nuts, bolts, and connections to the supply lines to avoid any water seeping out. Your wallet will thank you for avoiding a potential water bill spike, and you can continue enjoying your well-deserved relaxation time. Don’t let a leaking faucet ruin your free time! 

No. 3: Check Water Pressure

Do a thorough check of your water pressure. High water pressure can cause leaks or exacerbate any existing leakage. You can use a pressure gauge to measure water pressure and see if it’s above the recommended 80 PSI. If it is, you may need to install a pressure reducing valve to regulate the water pressure and prevent further leakages.

Call a Reliable Plumber For Your leaking Faucet

In conclusion, identifying and addressing a leaking faucet is vital to maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing system. It saves water, reduces your water bill, and helps conserve the environment. Always remember to turn off the water supply before starting any repair work and take great care when disassembling and reassembling the faucet. By following these steps, you can easily diagnose and fix a leaking faucet in your Logan home. If the problem persists, seek the help of a professional plumber to prevent further damage. Contact Jerry’s Plumbing Repair at (435) 563-6488 today!