Leaky faucets can be the stuff of nightmares, causing dripping noises that are often frustrating to try to fix on your own. In that case, you may need a licensed plumber from Expert Plumbing & Water Heaters, Inc. Ask our professionals for help instead of continually worrying and wondering: Why is my kitchen faucet leaking?
Here are the most common reasons your faucet may be dripping, some of which are repairable and some that may require a fixture replacement.
Loose Parts Create Avenues for Leaks
Kitchen faucet fixtures have more parts inside them than you may expect. If any of these loosen as the fixture ages, it could lead to a leak.
A part inside the faucet may break from excessive wear, which can also lead to leaks. If you suspect this issue, stop using the faucet until you have time to repair or replace it with the help of a plumber.
Homeowners may have a difficult time finding loose parts on their own. A plumber can easily disassemble the faucet fixture and determine which components need replacing or repairing.
Corrosion Inside the Fixture Affects Seals
If you live in an area with hard water, it can leave mineral scale buildup behind. Why is my kitchen faucet leaking, and could hard water cause it?
A worn O-ring or washer that fails because of corrosion would prevent the faucet from creating a tight seal. Corrosion and damage can be tough to see, but even tiny cracks and contaminants on the washers or O-rings create a channel or gap. Water can move through the tiniest gaps, leading to drips.
Washers and O-rings tend to lose their flexibility as they age, which can also lead to leaks. A plumber can inspect these tiny parts and determine whether they need replacement.
A corroded valve seat may explain the issue with a dripping faucet. The valve seat controls the flow of water, and it’s under constant pressure. If it has corrosion from hard water, combined with typical pressure, it may fail, rendering it unable to stop water from leaking.
Plumbers could replace the valve seat, although you may need to purchase a new fixture to completely stop the dripping.
Too Much Water Pressure in the System
If the water supply inside your home has excessive pressure, any corrosion or damage to the materials inside the fixture could result in leaks. The damage might be minor enough that if the system had normal water pressure, you might not experience leaks.
Your home should have a pressure regulator installed that manages the pressure coming from the municipal water supply. The regulator works to keep your home’s water pressure between 40 and 60 psi. If the regulator fails, you need a plumber to inspect it and install a new one.
The Fixture’s Cartridge May Have Wear
So, why is my kitchen faucet leaking if it’s older? If you have an older fixture, its cartridge may begin to wear out. The cartridge works as a valve, controlling the flow of water.
The faucet cartridge should last 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. If you have soft water, the cartridge could last 20 years.
The kitchen faucet type determines whether it uses a cartridge. If you have a single-handle fixture, the cartridge also controls the water temperature, mixing hot and cold water supplies.
If wear is preventing the cartridge from working properly, you’ll likely notice leaks and drips from the faucet. You might also have less control over the water’s flow speed and temperature when the cartridge is not functioning properly.
Plumbers can replace a cartridge in a faucet, although it may be more cost effective to replace the entire fixture.
Incorrect Installation of the Fixture
If the original installation of the faucet was not done correctly, you could have an immediate leak or one that develops after several months. Perhaps the fixture has a loose handle, or the installer didn’t tighten one of the nuts, resulting in a leaky installation.
Don’t Put Up With an Annoying Dripping Faucet; Call Our Licensed Plumbers for Immediate Help
You’re not alone if you find yourself constantly wondering: Why is my kitchen faucet leaking? One of the most common calls for help we receive at Expert Plumbing & Water Heaters, Inc. relates to leaky faucets.
Trying to fix this issue yourself can be a frustrating situation. Instead, contact us for timely kitchen plumbing repair. We have the tools and expertise to quickly decipher the problem and get your faucet working smoothly again.
To request an appointment for any of our plumbing services, call us today at (831) 713-1529.
