What Causes A Faucet To Drip?

Have you ever been trying to fall asleep and all you can hear is drip... drip... drip? A dripping faucet might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it can waste gallons of water and even raise your water bill. You're in the right place if you’re wondering why it happens. A plumber in Arlington, TX can often fix the problem quickly, but let’s break down the common reasons behind a dripping faucet. If you’ve dealt with this issue before, you may already know that Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a trusted name people turn to when things go wrong. But even before calling in the pros, it helps to understand what might happen.

Worn-Out Washers

This is one of the most common reasons a faucet starts to drip. Inside most faucets is a small rubber or silicone washer that helps seal the water when the faucet is turned off. Over time, this washer can wear out from friction.

When the washer is no longer sealing tightly, water sneaks past it and causes that annoying drip. If you notice the dripping starts when the faucet is off, the washer might be the culprit. This dripping faucet repair is straightforward and usually involves replacing the worn washer.

Loose or Damaged O-Ring

The O-ring is another small part that plays a big role. It’s usually found in cartridge-style faucets and helps keep the handle in place while preventing leaks. Just like washers, O-rings can wear down or break.

A worn O-ring might cause water to drip from the base of the faucet, especially when it’s turned on. While this may not seem urgent initially, ignoring it could lead to water damage over time. This is something a plumbing service can spot and fix fast.

Corroded Valve Seat

The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and helps control the water flow. Over time, minerals in water can cause corrosion, especially if you have hard water in your home. When the valve seat starts to break down, it can’t form a tight seal, and the dripping starts.

Corrosion isn’t always visible from the outside, so it may take a professional to find the exact cause. Many homeowners call a plumber when they suspect internal parts like this are failing. Mr. Rooter Plumbing often handles this type of repair, ensuring deeper issues don’t lead to bigger damage later.

Water Pressure Problems

Sometimes, a dripping faucet has nothing to do with broken parts. Instead, your home’s water pressure might be too high. If you notice the faucet only drips at certain times, like overnight or when other appliances are running, it could be a sign of pressure problems.

When water pressure is too strong, it can force its way through the faucet even when it’s technically turned off. While this might seem tricky to diagnose, a reliable plumbing service can measure the pressure and suggest a fix.

Faulty Faucet Installation

Yep, sometimes the faucet was installed incorrectly from the start. If parts aren’t aligned properly, even a brand-new faucet can start to drip. This is why ensuring installation is done right the first time is important.

A trusted expert, like one from Mr. Rooter Plumbing, will ensure everything is snug and sealed correctly. Otherwise, you might have to deal with a dripping faucet repair sooner than you should.

Worn Seals and Gaskets

Your faucet has more than just washers and O-rings. It also uses various seals and gaskets to help keep water where it belongs. These parts can wear out with time and constant use.

When seals start to fail, they often leak slowly at first. You might notice small puddles forming near the base or steady drips even when the faucet is off. These small parts are easy for a plumber to replace and can stop the leak for good.

Mineral Build-Up

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits, like calcium and lime. Over time, these can build up inside the faucet and around moving parts, making it harder for the faucet to shut off properly. When that happens, water gets through the small gaps and starts dripping.

This build-up may need to be cleaned out or removed with special tools. A plumbing service that offers maintenance and inspections can catch these issues early. Regular cleaning and water softeners can also help prevent the buildup.

Don’t Ignore That Drip!

If your faucet is dripping, don’t wait until it gets worse. What seems like a tiny problem can become bigger plumbing trouble, including wasted water and rising bills.

A professional dripping faucet repair is often quick and affordable. Whether the issue is a worn-out part, high water pressure, or a buildup, a licensed plumber can find the problem and fix it right the first time.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing has helped countless homeowners stop leaks and restore peace and quiet to their kitchens and bathrooms. If you hear that “drip... drip... drip,” it’s time to take action. Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today and say goodbye to the drip for good.