5 Common Causes of a Dripping Tap

October 25, 2017

Nothing can be as annoying and frustrating as the sound of a leaking faucet in your kitchen or bathroom. The never-ending drip is something that can keep you awake at night and prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. Even if your tap is dripping just a little bit and may seem like a minor problem, it surely wastes water and increases your utility bills. A leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing issues and it isn’t just a nuisance. If it goes unrepaired for too long, it can develop into a large problem that will require the services of professional emergency plumber Orange County.

Knowing possible causes of a dripping tap can help you become more aware and knowledgeable in preventing this plumbing complication.

Old or damaged parts

A leakage usually happens when a part of the tap becomes dysfunctional because of continuous usage. The reason of a steady drip can be a worn out washer inside the faucet.

Keep in mind that each type of faucet is different and comes with its own set of components that can get damaged. The seals inside of compression faucets are particularly prone to damage due to the constantly high pressure that keeps water from flowing.

Other types, known as “washer-less” faucets may all have leaks, as well. In this case, look for the damaged moving parts, like the O-rings. Disc faucets have the inlet and outlet seals that can become worn out due to sediment build-up and frequent usage. When cartridge faucets are leaking, usually the cartridge needs to be replaced.

Improper installation

A leak can be the result of a DIY plumbing project gone wrong. This can happen when faucet parts are not installed properly or aren’t the right size.

It would be wisest to call an emergency plumber in Orange County or the area you live to locate the problem and, if needed, replace worn out or unsuitable parts. Plumbing professionals have the right skills and tools to install all makes and models of taps. They will also make sure that the new part is the same as the original; otherwise, the tap would continue leaking or even stop working.

Loose parts

Over the course of time, some of the components may become dislodged. So maybe instead of being replaced, they just need to be properly secured. In case tightening the loose part doesn’t stop the leaking, you’ll need to look for the problem elsewhere.

Inconsistent water pressure

If the dripping occurs at a specific time of day, there’s a high possibility that the inconsistent water pressure is causing the problem. It may keep water from flowing away from a certain point. Water then backs up and leaks out at another place, such as a faucet.

Though you may not think of a dripping tap as a serious problem, know that high water pressure can put extra strain on the pipes and cause serious damage to your plumbing system. In case you cannot adjust the pressure reducing valve in your household, you may eventually need to call an emergency plumber Orange County to fix it.

Damaged piping

This is the least common of all five causes. However, don’t disregard the possibility that your tap is leaking or dripping because of a broken fitting or pipe.

Broken pipes can develop cracks which reduce water pressure, causing the faucet connected to the break to drip from time to time. In case you suspect that this is the problem but cannot see the crack, contact an experienced plumber to examine your pipes.

Call #1 emergency plumber Orange County

Whatever is causing your tap’s leak, get rid of that dripping sound by contacting your trusted emergency plumber Orange County. Whether it’s just a damaged part or a more complicated plumbing issue, our experienced and skilled professionals at Emergency Home Solutions will detect and resolve it in a timely manner.