If you’re dealing with leaky faucets in your New Jersey home, you’re probably annoyed with the constant dripping and concerned by the increase in water usage as your money goes down the drain. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leaks can waste approximately 10,000 gallons of water over the course of a year, so determining the cause of your leaky faucets and having an experienced plumber perform the appropriate plumbing repairs is crucial because fixing a leaky faucet can save you up to 10% of your water bill.
High Water Pressure
Your home’s water pressure may be too high if your faucet drips only during certain times of day or after certain behaviors. High water pressure can prohibit the water from moving away from a particular point, causing the water to back up and leak somewhere else, such as a faucet or toilet tank.
Weary Cartridge
A worn out cartridge may cause the faucet to drip, so consider replacing the cartridge with a matching one that can fit the gap left by the original faucet or hire a plumber to replace the cartridge for you.
O-Ring Trouble
Within the stem screw, which is used to keep the faucet handle in place, is a small rubber disc called an O-ring. The O-ring may get worn out or loose, resulting in a drip near the handle. If this situation occurs, replace the O-ring.
Washer Problems
The washer is the most common culprit of a dripping faucet. When a faucet is used, the washer presses against the valve seat, a movement which causes wear and tear over time and results in leaking around the spout. Dripping can occur from a washer that is not the right size or from improper installation of the washer. To ensure that the replacement washer is installed correctly, consider hiring a plumber to fix your faucet.
If you cannot determine the cause of your dripping faucet or if you want to make sure that the replacement parts are properly installed, contact Black Horse Pike Plumbing & Heating, Inc., your trusted New Jersey plumber.