Four Reasons Why Your Faucet Won’t Stop Dripping

A dripping faucet is not only annoying but can also lead to higher water bills and potential damage to your plumbing system. Understanding the common reasons why your faucet won’t stop dripping can help you address the issue promptly and effectively. In this blog, we will explore four common reasons for a dripping faucet and how to fix them.

1. Worn Out Washer

What to Look For:

• A steady drip coming from the spout, especially after turning off the faucet.
• Increased dripping when the handle is turned to certain positions.

Why It Happens:

• Washers are small rubber or plastic discs that create a seal when the faucet is turned off. Over time, these washers can wear out, become dislodged, or develop grooves, causing leaks.

Solution:

• Replacing the washer is a straightforward fix. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, remove the old washer, and replace it with a new one. Ensure the new washer is the correct size and type for your faucet.

2. Faulty O-Ring

What to Look For:

• Water dripping from the handle area rather than the spout.
• Visible signs of wear or cracks on the O-ring.

Why It Happens:

• The O-ring is a small rubber ring that fits around the valve stem to prevent leaks around the handle area. Over time, the O-ring can become worn or damaged, leading to leaks.

Solution:

• To fix a faulty O-ring, turn off the water supply, remove the faucet handle, and inspect the O-ring. Replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage. Ensure the replacement O-ring is the correct size for your faucet model.

3. Corroded Valve Seat

What to Look For:

• Leaking around the spout base.
• Mineral deposits or visible corrosion on the valve seat.

Why It Happens:

• The valve seat connects the faucet and the spout. Over time, mineral deposits and corrosion can build up on the valve seat, preventing it from forming a watertight seal and causing leaks.

Solution:

• Clean or replace the valve seat. You can use a seat grinder (valve seat wrench) to clean the valve seat. If the valve seat is too corroded or damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.

4. Worn Out Cartridge

What to Look For:

• Dripping from the spout or the handle area.
• Difficulty turning the faucet handle or irregular water flow.

Why It Happens:

• In cartridge faucets, the cartridge controls the flow and temperature of the water. Over time, the cartridge can become worn or damaged, leading to leaks.

Solution:

• Replace the cartridge. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, remove the old cartridge, and replace it with a new one. Ensure the new cartridge matches the faucet model.

Final Thoughts

A dripping faucet is more than just a nuisance; it can lead to higher water bills and potential plumbing issues. By understanding the common causes of a dripping faucet and knowing how to fix them, you can save time, money, and frustration.

For professional plumbing services and expert solutions to fix your dripping faucet, trust Elite Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing high-quality plumbing repairs and maintenance. Contact us today at 702-263-2665 for reliable and professional service. Don’t let a dripping faucet disrupt your peace—let Elite Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning handle it for you!