It’s an annoying question: “Why is my faucet dripping?” Virtually every homeowner deals with a slow, persistent drip at some point. It’s more than a nuisance, as a dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.
Dustin’s Plumbing Heating and A/C Repair maintains the top team of expert plumbers in Cranbury, New Jersey, and we’d like to cover the leading causes of this problem.
1. The Type of Faucet Determines the Likely Cause
The first step in diagnosing a leak is identifying your faucet type. The internal design determines which parts can wear out and cause dripping.
- Compression faucets use separate hot and cold handles and rely on a washer to seal the water flow.
- Cartridge faucets have a replaceable cartridge inside to control temperature and flow.
- Ball faucets use a rotating ball to regulate water.
- Ceramic disc faucets use two hard ceramic discs to seal water flow.
Knowing your faucet type helps pinpoint the likely source of the leak. For example, a worn-out washer is common in compression faucets, while a damaged cartridge often causes drips in cartridge faucets.
2. Worn-Out Washer
Everyone is familiar with the simple washer, which is the leading cause of leaks in compression faucets. Every time you turn the handle, the washer presses against the valve seat. Over years of use, it can harden, crack, or deform, allowing water to seep through.
If your question is, “Why is my faucet dripping steadily from the spout, even when fully off?” replacing a washer in a compression model is often a straightforward repair. Your plumber will shut off the water supply and use a washer that matches your faucet’s size and material.
3. Damaged Cartridge
Cartridge wear or damage is a common problem in single- or double-handle cartridge faucets. The cartridge controls both water flow and temperature. When seals inside the cartridge wear down or debris builds up, water can leak through even with the handle in the off position.
Symptoms include dripping that persists regardless of handle position or difficulty moving the handle. In most cases, replacing the cartridge with an identical one restores a proper seal.
4. O-Ring Wear or Failure
The O-ring is a small rubber gasket that maintains a watertight seal inside a faucet. Over time, the O-ring can crack, loosen, or wear out. When this happens, water may leak around the handle or base rather than from the spout.
Replacing the O-ring is inexpensive. The key is to match the size exactly and lubricate it with plumber’s grease before reassembly. This prevents future wear and helps maintain a tight seal.
5. Valve Seat Corrosion
Inside the faucet body, the valve seat connects the spout to the rest of the fixture. In compression faucets, the washer presses against this seat to stop water flow.
The answer to “Why is my faucet dripping?” often traces back to your outside water supply. Over time, minerals in Cranbury’s water can cause valve seat corrosion, creating a rough surface that prevents a tight seal.
If you’ve replaced a worn-out washer and the faucet still drips, corrosion could be to blame. Plumbers can sometimes smooth out light corrosion with a special tool, but severe damage may require replacing the faucet.
6. High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure often goes undetected in some Cranbury homes until it has caused visible damage. Water pressure above 80 psi can push water past seals even if they’re in good condition. This type of leak may only occur at night or during certain times of day when municipal water pressure spikes.
If you suspect high water pressure, have your trusted local plumber measure it. Installing a pressure-reducing valve can protect not only your faucets but also other plumbing fixtures and appliances.
7. Loose Components
Even in newer faucets, loose components can lead to leaks. Vibration from regular use, or simply not tightening parts enough during installation, can allow water to bypass seals. This often shows up as a drip when you wiggle the handle or a leak around the faucet base.
If you tighten screws, nuts, or mounting hardware, be careful not to strip threads or damage the fixture.
Cranbury, New Jersey, Counts on Dustin’s Plumbing Heating and A/C Repair
A dripping faucet may seem minor at first, but over time, it can cost you money and damage your home. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why is my faucet dripping?” don’t ignore the problem.
Dustin’s Plumbing Heating and A/C Repair serves Cranbury and the surrounding region with prompt and effective plumbing services. Contact us today to discuss your needs and schedule expert service.
