Dripping faucets aren’t just annoying. They can also cause a number of problems, from water stains in your sink to exorbitant water bills. The EPA says that a faucet with a slow drip – around one drip per second – can waste up to 3,000 gallons each year, which is the equivalent of 180 showers. In order to stop these drips, you’ll need to figure out what is causing them. Here’s a guide that will help you find and fix the causes of your dripping faucets.
Worn or Broken Parts
By far the most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn or broken part inside the faucet itself. There are three different types of faucets, and each requires you to take a slightly different approach to the troubleshooting process.
- Compression Faucets: Any faucet with two handles – one for hot and one for cold water – is a compression faucet. When these faucets drip, the problem is usually within the valve stems located underneath the handles. To troubleshoot this problem, remove the screw in the top of the handle to access the valve stem and then remove the nut that holds the valve stem in place. You’ll then be able to remove the valve stem and inspect the seals and other components for wear and damage. If you notice worn or missing seals – particularly the rubber seat at the bottom of the valve stem – then you’ll need to buy replacement parts or a brand new valve stem.
- Ball Faucets: These faucets have a single handle for both hot and cold water. To find the leak in this type of faucet, start by loosening the set screw underneath the handle so that you can remove it. With the handle off, you can use pliers to remove the ball assembly as well as the seals and springs underneath the ball assembly. After that, you’ll be able to either replace worn or broken parts, or replace the entire ball assembly.
- Cartridge Faucets: Cartridge faucets are similar to ball faucets, but there are fewer removable parts. When these types of faucets drip, you’ll need to purchase an inexpensive replacement cartridge. The removal and installation process is similar to ball style faucets: Simply remove the handle to access the parts underneath.
In the worst case scenario, drips or leaks – particularly those around the handles – are caused by worn or pitted housing around the internal parts. In these instances, you’ll need to replace the entire fixture to stop the leak.
Water Pressure
In rare cases, drips and leaks are caused by high water pressure. These leaks are often intermittent – in other words, the drip starts when pressure is at its highest, but during low-pressure times, the drip stops.
To test whether water pressure is the problem, monitor the dripping faucet while someone runs water elsewhere in your home. If the drip stops, you may need to have a professional check your water pressure or make adjustments to the pressure throughout your home. You’ll also want to check the valve stems, balls or cartridges within your faucets because excessive pressure can lead to wear on these components.
For the most part, dripping faucets are quick and easy to fix. You can find basic parts like valve stems and replacement kits at hardware stores and home improvement centers. However, if you find that you need a new faucet or there is a larger issue within your water system that is causing the drips, you may want let a professional locate and repair the problem.
