Everything Homeowners Need To Know About Dripping and Leaky Faucets
Valentine’s Day isn’t just a holiday in February; it’s a warm, fuzzy feeling that lasts the entire month. However, if anything can derail the holiday season, it’s a dripping faucet. What might start as an annoying drip could evolve into a bigger problem without prompt attention. Mold, wasted water, and high water bills can quickly turn a romantic, candlelit dinner into a disaster.
Here, homeowners can learn about the importance of maintaining their plumbing systems. While plenty of DIY measures could address a dripping faucet, when in doubt, it’s always wise to contact a leaky faucet repair service.
The Three Main Dangers of a Leaking Faucet
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one of the biggest dangers of a leaking faucet is wasted water. The organization reports that a leaking faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water each year. That’s the same as taking 180 showers! Other concerns about an unaddressed leaking faucet include:
- Mold: Mold needs three things to grow: organic material, a moist environment, and damp surroundings. A leaking faucet can cause mold to grow in the pipes, around the faucet, and in the sink. Black mold, one of the most serious mold types, can thrive once a pipe or faucet starts leaking.
- High water bills: With a leaking pipe, homeowners might see their water bill increase and not know why. This problem can go on for months before they realize the root of the problem.
- Above-average wear and tear: Water constantly running through a pipe can shorten the pipe’s lifespan. For instance, galvanized steel pipes can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. However, if a faucet chronically leaks, it might last less than that.
Why Do Faucets Leak?
There are many reasons why faucets may leak or drip. However, some of the most common reasons include:
- Worn rubber seals. Pipes aren’t all steel and metal. Sometimes, they use rubber seals to connect pipes and insulate water flow. Over time, these rubber seals can degrade and cause a faucet to leak.
- High water pressure. High-pressured water hits the inside of a pipe hard. As previously mentioned, this can cause above-average wear and tear––especially with older plumbing systems.
- Rust. A rusty pipe can’t withstand water pressure and flow. Even small holes in a pipe can compromise the entire system.
What Goes into Fixing a Leaking or Dripping Pipe?
What goes into fixing a leaking or dripping pipe largely depends on why the problem’s happening in the first place. Replacing a worn valve, flapper, or connector can often remedy the issue.
However, some other measures may include:
- Sealing any leaks
- Taking out rusted pipes or connectors
- Tightening any nuts or connectors
- Removing any compromised pipes
A sink repair professional can provide more insight into what measures could remedy a homeowner’s leaking pipe.
About Towers Plumbing
Towers Plumbing is more than a plumbing service; it's a dedicated group of professionals who have served their community for more than 75 years. Interested parties living in the area can call them today to learn more about their home improvement services in Murray, UT.