Introduction

Little drip from the kitchen or bathroom faucet is easy to ignore. Until you notice it at night and realise its been doing it for weeks.

A faucet keeps dripping for a reason. Usually something inside isn’t sealing properly. It can be any component of the faucet like washer, damaged cartridge or any other part that needs repair. Whatever the reason, it should be repair as soon as detected because early fix can be cheaper as compared to delayed diagnosis.

So what exactly causes a faucet to drip? Lets learn about it below.

What Causes a Faucet to Drip?

Not every dripping faucet has the problem. The design of the faucet matters and so does where the water is coming from.

Here are a common culprits.

1. Worn-Out Washer

If you have a two-handle faucet, there is possibility of issues in the washer of the faucet.

Every time you turn the faucet on and off that little rubber piece gets pressed against the valve seat. After years of usage and repeated action, the washer can become hard and can be cracked or worn down.

The result?

Water makes space for little droplets even if the faucet is tightly and completely turned off.

2. Damaged Cartridge

Modern style single-handle faucets usually have a cartridge inside its frame. It is responsible to control the flow and temperature of the water.

When the cartridge wears out with continuous usage, the faucet may not turn off completely. You might notice a drip from the faucet even if you’re pushing the handle firmly into the “off” position.

And no tightening the handle harder usually won’t solve it.

3. Worn O-Ring

O-rings are rubber seals which are used inside the faucets. They’re easy to forget about but they are the most important component of a faucet.

With age, heat and regular use an O-ring can become brittle. Lose its shape. It usually causes water to leak around the handle of the faucet or base.

4. Mineral Build-up or Corrosion

If you have hard water in your household, it will leave the mineral deposits inside the plumbing structures. With passage if time, these deposits will come in contact with parts of the faucets. It may result in improper seals.

Corrosion always causes trouble in older pipes and faucets.

How to fix a faucet that keeps dripping

If you’re wondering how to fix a faucet yourself? Here are few simple steps. The problem can only only be solved on your own if its minor and if you’re comfortable doing basic DIY work.

Turn Off the Water First

This sounds obvious but it is crucial.

Have a look underneath the sink to check out the water supply valves. Turn all of them off, then open the faucet to release any water still sitting within the line.

Make sure to put a towel under the faucet.

Find the Source of the Leak

Take a look.

Is water coming from the spout? Is it collecting around the handle? Is there water underneath the sink?

The location gives you a clue. A drip from the spout often points toward a washer or cartridge problem while leakage around the handle may involve an O-ring or another seal.

Identify Your Faucet Type

Before taking the faucet figure out what you’re working with.

Is it a single-handle faucet? Two handles? A cartridge-style design?

Take a photo before removing anything. It makes putting everything back together less confusing.

Replace the Damaged Part

Once you’ve identified the component replace it with the correct replacement part.

A washer or O-ring may be inexpensive. A cartridge can cost a more depending on the faucet.

If you aren’t sure which part you need check the faucets brand and model information than guessing.

Test the Faucet

Turn the water supply on slowly. Then operate the faucet a few times.

Still dripping?

Don’t keep tightening everything in frustration. If the replacement did not solve your problem there may be possibility of another damaged component in the faucet or an issue with the valve seat.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Not every leak is a DIY project.

If the faucet is badly corroded the shut-off valve won’t close parts are stuck or you’re simply not comfortable taking the fixture call a professional.

Same thing goes for a faucet that keep dripping even after you have repaired and replaced the internal parts. Do not keep taking out the internal components repeatedly, it may make the scenario worse.

If you notice water leaking underneath the sink don’t consider it as a faulty faucet problem. Bigger issues in the supply lime and plumbing connection could be involved.

Don’t Let That Drip Become a Problem

A dripping faucet might seem like nothing more than an annoying sound. It also waste water and is a sign that something isn’t working as it should.

Fixing the problem early is usually the best move.

If you have tried all the possible hacks and tips available, and still not getting over the issue, then call professional help. HVAC Morgan can instantly diagnose the issue and provide solution accordingly.

Conclusion 

Now you might know how to fix a faucet that keeps dripping. You can start by finding where the water is coming from. Check the washer, cartridge, O-ring and other components of the faucets. Also, consider what type of faucet do you have.

Sometimes it’s a five-minute fix. Sometimes it isn’t. When the cause isn’t obvious. The leak won’t go away getting professional plumbing help can save you the hassle—and potentially prevent a much bigger problem later.