Why Is My Faucet Dripping?

When you’re trying to sleep at night, the sound of a dripping faucet can be a major annoyance. Over time, even a minor drip can cause higher water bills. By learning how to fix a dripping faucet, you can quickly fix the underlying issue. 

Whether you’re dealing with a complex plumbing repair or basic maintenance, Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help. To learn more about repair and replacement options for dripping faucets, read on.

Why Faucets Drip in the First Place

So, why is my faucet dripping? Faucets can leak for a range of different reasons. If an O-ring, cartridge, valve seat, or washer stops working, it can fail to seal properly. In turn, this allows a drip to form.

When diagnosing a drip, we first need to consider where the drip is occurring. For example, a drip is due to different causes if it is at the spout instead of the handle base. While some of the causes can be fixed on your own, others are an indication that a professional plumber is necessary. When in doubt, you can always reach out to our team for help diagnosing your leaky faucet.

Common Causes of a Dripping Faucet 

In general, there are a few basic reasons why a dripping faucet may happen. 

• Worn Washers or Seals: The washer is responsible for taking the load off of bolts and other fasteners. Meanwhile, seals are necessary for preventing fluid from getting inside your fixtures. In compression faucets, a worn washer or seal is the most common reason for dripping faucets.
• Failing Cartridge: A failing cartridge is a common problem in single-handle faucets. Once it has worn down enough, it no longer forms a strong seal. In turn, this causes drips to happen.
• Damaged O-Rings: O-rings are used to create a watertight seal between two different components. Normal wear, mechanical stress, or a faulty installation can cause them to fail prematurely. When this happens, you’ll typically see a dripping faucet at the handle base.
• Corroded Valve Seat: In Northern Colorado homes that have hard water, mineral buildup can corrode the valve seat. This eventually prevents a tight seal from happening and causes a leak to form.
• Worn or Damaged Faucet: Over time, a fixture can become worn. When this happens, it will likely need more than just a simple repair.

Fixes by Faucet Type

How to stop a dripping tap varies based on the faucet type. If you are unsure what type of faucet you have, you can always reach out to one of our team members for help.

Compression Faucet

This type of faucet has two handles, with one handle for the hot water and one handle for the cold water. If you notice a faucet dripping after turning it off, it’s likely due to the washer or valve seat.

Cartridge Faucet

With this option, there can be a single or a double handle. Most leaks can be easily fixed by replacing the cartridge.

Ball Faucet

A ball faucet is often used on kitchen sinks. In order to fix this type of faucet, you’ll likely need a repair kit to replace the springs, seals, and cam.

Ceramic Disk Faucet

Rather than rubber washers, the ceramic disk faucet uses two interlocking disks inside the cartridge. Even though this faucet type is known for being exceptionally reliable, it can still break down over time. Eventually, the seals or disk cartridge may need to be replaced.

A single-handle faucet drip fix is going to be different from the repair you need for a compression faucet. Before you try to buy replacement parts, you should bring the old part to the store so that you get a perfect match.

Safe DIY Steps Before You Call 

If your faucet is dripping after you turn it off, we can help. Before you reach out for professional repairs, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can handle on your own. 

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply 

Underneath the sink, you should have a shutoff valve that connects to the sink. Turn this off so that water doesn’t continue to leak out of the faucet. If you don’t have a shutoff valve under the sink, shut off the water at your main water valve. To avoid flooding your home, you should never take apart plumbing components without turning off the water supply first.

Step 2: Plug the Drain

Before you try to replace basic components, remember to plug the drain. Small parts can easily fall down the drain if it is left open.

Step 3: Remove the Handle To Inspect the Components

Next, remove the handle so that you can inspect the washer, O-ring, or cartridge. If you notice visible signs of wear, these components can be replaced with new ones.

Step 4: Replace the Worn Component

To make sure you get the right part, it’s a good idea to bring the worn part with you to the hardware store. After locating the replacement component, you can bring it home and install it in your faucet. Always follow any manufacturer’s instructions that come with the part.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

Finally, you can put everything back together. Once you are sure everything has been installed properly, you can slowly turn the water back on. Pay attention to any potential drips.

If the faucet is still dripping, it may be due to a different problem or an issue with the installation. In both cases, our team can help you troubleshoot why the drip continues to occur.

For the safety of your plumbing system, homeowners should never force corroded parts. To prevent cracked fittings, distorted seals, and other issues, you should never overtighten fittings. If the leak continues, call for repairs right away. 

Throughout the process, you should pay attention to any signs of a hidden leak. If you hear the water running when every fixture is off, or your water pressure is low, there may be a hidden leak occurring somewhere. Because of the water damage that this can cause, it’s important to seek immediate help if you suspect this type of issue.

When To Call Balance Point 

Over time, a drip can lead to higher water bills, hidden leaks, and other problems. If you notice any of the following signs, you should reach out to Balance Point right away for help.

• The shutoff valves are leaking and won’t close.
• Your drip doesn’t go away after you replace the washer, cartridge, or O-ring.
• There is water underneath your sink, inside the cabinet, or behind the wall.
• The water coming from the drip appears to be discolored.
• Your water pressure is unusually low, indicating a potential leak.
• The valve seat appears to be corroded.

At Balance Point, we provide prompt Fort Collins faucet repairs and replacements. To make your home maintenance easier, our team also offers a convenient membership plan that includes an annual plumbing inspection, discounts on repairs, and priority services. 

To learn how to fix a dripping faucet in your home, reach out to our plumbing repair experts today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does a dripping faucet waste? 

Even a minor drip can waste a significant amount of water over time. If the faucet drips once per second, it can end up wasting roughly 3,000 gallons of water per year. Because of this, it’s a good idea to get your leaky faucet replaced as quickly as possible.

Can I fix a dripping faucet myself? 

In many cases, it is possible to repair a dripping faucet on your own. For example, cartridges, worn washers, and O-rings are simple enough that a mechanically inclined homeowner can do them. If you’re dealing with a hidden leak or internal valve damage, you should reach out to a professional plumber instead.

Why does my faucet drip from the handle and not the spout? 

When the drip occurs at the handle base, it is often due to a loose packing nut or a worn O-ring. In comparison, you’ll generally notice dripping from the spout if there is an issue with the spout seal.

Why does my faucet still drip after I replaced the washer? 

Over time, the valve seat can become corroded. It’s also possible that the wrong part was used in the faucet replacement. If the drip continues, you’ll need to schedule a repair appointment to get the problem diagnosed and fixed.

Does hard water cause faucets to drip? 

Absolutely. If enough mineral buildup occurs, it can wear down the seal and corrode the valve seat. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common issue for Northern Colorado homeowners.

Fix Your Leaky Faucet

Unsure how to fix a dripping faucet? Balance Point offers upfront pricing, 100% no-interest financing, and dependable plumbing repairs in the Fort Collins and Loveland area.

Our team of licensed plumbers will quickly work to diagnose the cause of the problem. Then, one of our team members will walk you through the options, so you can decide what to do without any pressure.

Learn more about your plumbing repair options by booking an appointment today.