Your faucet is an essential part of your home plumbing system, you use it more times per day than you may realize. For the most part, it simply does its job. However, all faucets are subject to wear and tear and will, eventually, leak. The good news is the issue is usually simple and can be fixed by a good DIYer.
If you’re not comfortable working with water then call a reputable plumber Sydney, they will resolve the issue in no time. Don’t forget, a leaking faucet may not seem like a major issue but it will cost you a significant sum over the course of a year.
In short, the sooner you deal with the issue, the better.
O-Ring
The O-ring is a small circular piece of rubber that sits around the valve stem of your faucet. It acts as a cushion, when you turn off the faucet the valve pushes against the O-ring and ensures the gap is sealed, preventing water from coming past.
Of course, the O-ring faces an extensive amount of wear and tear as it is engaged and disengaged multiple times every day. Eventually, it will distort or simply be too thin to be effective. This allows water through which causes the drip. It will usually get worse the longer it is left.
Replacing the O-ring is as simple as turning the water off, removing the head from the faucet, and swapping the O-ring for an identical one.
Damaged Washer
Alongside the O-ring, you will also find a washer inside your faucet. This sits against the valve seat of your faucet and operates in a similar way to the O-ring.
Wear and tear can distort the washer or it can simply perish. Fortunately, replacement is as simple as removing the head to replace the washer, in the same way as you relace the O-ring.
In fact, if you are doing one it is a good idea to do both at the same time.
Valve Seat Issues
A slightly, more complicated issue is when the valve seat starts to rust. This is normal as it lives in a hostile environment, metal, air, and water form the perfect combination to create rust.
The valve seat is the small section that connects the spout and the faucet. On older models, this was made of brass which could be removed, resurfaced, and repaired.
Modern units are made from plastic and the simplest way to deal with this issue is to replace the faucet.
Again, you’ll need to shut the water supply off. This time you’ll need to get under the sink to locate the nut and bolt holding the faucet in position. Remove the nut and then disconnect the water supply pipe. You can then swap in the new one.
This is a good opportunity to change the style of your faucets!
Final Thoughts
In most cases, the faucet leak is caused by one of the above issues. However, fluctuating water pressure can also cause tiny leaks which slowly get worse. This is the cause if the faucet only leaks at specific times every day.
The best cure for this is to fit a pressure regulator. But, you may want the assistance of a professional to ensure this doesn’t leak.
Thomas Jackson is a dynamic and talented content writer at WonderWorldSpace.com, renowned for his engaging and informative articles. Beyond his professional pursuits in writing, Jack is also known for his deep passion for fitness, which not only shapes his lifestyle but also influences his work.