Ways to Prevent a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet can waste up to 10 gallons of water per day and create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. That drip-drop sound of a leaky faucet can be incredibly annoying and disruptive. Some of the main causes of a leaky faucet include a damaged cartridge, broken washers, high water pressure, a malfunctioning O-ring, and a deteriorated valve seat, just to mention a few. The good news is that you can take some easy steps to prevent a leaky faucet. Here at Sunshine Plumbers, we wish to share with you how to stop a faucet leak from happening.
Ensure your faucets are installed correctly from the start. Faucet installation and repair is a job that should be left to a professional plumbing service. If you let an amateur do the job, they are more likely to do a shoddy job that will result in leaks.
- Inspect For Wear And Tear
As part of your plumbing maintenance routine, regularly inspect your faucets for signs of wear and tear, such as corroded parts or loose connections. Address any issues promptly to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Washers create a watertight seal in faucets to prevent leaks. Faucet leaks often occur due to worn-out or damaged washers. You should keep a close eye on the washers and replace them as needed to maintain a tight seal.
It’s tempting to use force to get a leaky faucet back under control, but more often than not, you’ll cause more damage. Make sure you turn your faucets gently. Using excessive force can damage internal components and lead to leaks.
It’s important to perform routine maintenance to keep your faucets in good working order. This could include cleaning and lubricating the moving parts of your faucets and replacing damaged components. This helps them function smoothly and reduces the risk of leaks.
- Monitor The Water Pressure
High water pressure can strain your faucets and cause leaks. It’s recommended to install a pressure gauge to ensure it's within the recommended range. The ideal water pressure for a home should range from 30 to 80 PSI.
- Use A Water Pressure Reducing Valve
If your water pressure is consistently high, consider installing pressure-reducing valves to protect your faucets and prevent leaks. Water pressure-reducing valves control and reduce the incoming water pressure from the municipal water supply to a level that is safe and suitable for use.
- Tighten the Faucet Assembly
Loose handles or spouts can contribute to faucet leaks. You should check for loose parts or connections from time to time and tighten them as needed. For parts that have deteriorated, consider replacing them.
Hard water can lead to mineral buildup in your faucets, affecting their performance. Consider installing a water softener if you have hard water in your home. A water softener will not only extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures, but it will also improve soap and detergent efficiency.
Need Your Leaky Faucet Repaired? Sunshine Plumbers Has You Covered!
If you cannot fix a leaky faucet, leave the job to a trusted plumbing service like Sunshine Plumbers. Our plumbers offer comprehensive faucet services, including faucet installation, faucet repair, and replacement. In addition to offering professional faucet repair services, we provide other types of plumbing services such as leak detection, drain cleaning, sink installation, pipe repair, and more.
