Have you ever been kept awake at night by the constant drip of a leaky faucet? A dripping faucet is more than just an annoyance—it can also waste water and increase your bills if not fixed. In this guide by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Fort Worth, we’ll walk you through why your faucet might be dripping and offer some simple fixes you can try before calling a professional plumber in Mansfield.

1. Common Causes of a Dripping Faucet

    A faucet may drip for several reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons your faucet may be leaking:

    2. Worn-Out Washers

      One of the most common reasons for a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. A washer is a small rubber or silicone disc located inside the faucet handle. When you turn the faucet on and off, the washer is pushed against the valve seat, which controls the water flow.

      Over time, this constant friction can cause the washer to wear out or damage, leading to leaks. If you notice that your faucet only drips when the water is turned off, a worn-out washer might be to blame.

      Easy Fix: Replacing a washer is a simple DIY job. You’ll need to turn off the water supply, remove the faucet handle, and swap out the old washer for a new one. If you’re uncomfortable doing this alone, you can always call a Mansfield plumber to help.

      3. Loose or Damaged O-Ring

        An O-ring is another small but essential part of your faucet. If the O-ring becomes loose or damaged, water can leak around the handle.

        O-ring problems are common in cartridge faucets, where a stem cartridge controls the water flow. If the leak comes from the base of the faucet handle, the O-ring is likely the culprit.

        Easy Fix: Replacing an O-ring is similar to replacing a washer. Turn off the water supply, remove the faucet handle, and swap the old O-ring with a new one. Make sure to choose the correct size O-ring for your faucet model.

        4. Corroded Valve Seat

          The valve seat is the faucet part that connects to the spout and controls water flow. Water can leak from the spout if the valve seat becomes corroded or dirty.

          Mineral deposits in the water often cause corrosion. If your home has hard water, the minerals can build up over time and damage the valve seat, leading to a dripping faucet.

          Easy Fix: To fix a corroded valve seat, you may need to clean or replace the part. You can try cleaning it with vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits, but if the corrosion is too bad, you may need to replace it. If you’re unsure how to do this, it’s a good idea to call a plumber in Mansfield for assistance.

          5. Worn-Out Cartridge

            Cartridge faucets use a stem cartridge to control the flow and temperature of water. If your faucet has a steady drip even when turned off, or if the handle feels loose, a faulty cartridge might be the problem.

            Easy Fix: Replacing a cartridge can be more challenging than replacing a washer or O-ring, but it’s still doable with the right tools. Start by turning off the water, removing the handle, and then carefully removing the old cartridge. You’ll need to replace it with a new one that matches your faucet model.

            6. Water Pressure Problems

              Sometimes, a faucet might drip because of high water pressure. If the water pressure in your home is too high, it can cause water to leak from the faucet, even when it’s turned off. 

              Easy Fix: If you suspect water pressure is causing your faucet to drip, you can install a pressure-reducing valve to regulate the water pressure in your home. You can also have a plumber in Mansfield check your water pressure.

              7. Broken Plumbing Parts

                In some cases, the problem might be with something other than the faucet but the plumbing system behind it. A broken pipe cracked fitting, or worn-out connection can cause water to leak into the faucet, even when it’s off.

                If you’ve checked all the other possible causes and your faucet is still dripping, there may be a plumbing issue. 

                Easy Fix: In this case, the best solution is to call a plumber in Mansfield. They can inspect your pipes, find the source of the leak, and repair or replace the damaged parts.

                How to Prevent Future Leaks

                  Once you’ve fixed the problem, you’ll want to take steps to prevent future leaks. Here are a few simple tips to keep your faucet working correctly:

                  • Regularly inspect and clean your faucet: Mineral buildup can lead to corrosion and leaks over time, so it’s a good idea to clean your faucet regularly.
                  • Don’t over-tighten the handle: Overtightening can quickly wear out washers and other parts. Turn off the water firmly but gently to avoid unnecessary wear.
                  • Watch your water pressure: If you notice changes in your home’s water pressure, it’s a good idea to have it checked. High pressure can damage your faucet and other plumbing fixtures.

                  Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Fort Worth

                    While many faucet repairs are simple enough to handle independently, sometimes it’s best to call a professional. If you’ve tried the easy fixes and your faucet is still dripping, or if the problem seems more severe than a worn washer, it’s time to contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Fort Worth.