Did you know that household leaks waste around 1 trillion gallons of water every year across the US?
This is a huge waste of water and a drain on our country’s resources. That drip, drip, drip of your faucet is also the sound of money going down the drain, with each drop you lose being a drop you pay for!
If you have a leaky faucet, it’s vital you get it fixed. To do that, you first need to put your detective hat on and identify what’s causing your water systems to play up.
Find out more in our guide to what’s causing your bathtub faucet leak and how to fix it!
1. Damaged Cartridges
If your faucet has two handles instead of just one, it’s known as cartridge-style. Each handle has a valve (the cartridge) that controls where the water moves through each handle. A leaky faucet could mean that the cartridge is damaged.
2. Faulty Washers
If your bathtub is leaking, it’s common for the washers to be the problem. These sit against the valve seat and can easily become worn out over time. Or, your washers may be the incorrect size or not installed properly, which can also lead to leaks.
3. The Wrong Water Pressure
If you notice your faucet is dripping at certain times or when the handles are in certain positions, it’s likely your water pressure is to blame. Your pressure could be too low or too high. It’s wise to have this checked before you start taking your leaky bathtub faucet apart to fix it.
4. Broken O-Ring
Every faucet has an o-ring. This is a tiny disc that holds the handle in place. Similar to your washers, if your faucet is dripping it could be because your o-rings have become loose or are worn out.
5. Faulty Valve Seat
When your bathtub faucet dripping is coming from the spout, your valve seat might be to blame. This is the part of the system that connects the spout to the faucet, and it’s susceptible to sediment buildup leading to wear and tear. Look for damage around this area to find the cause of your leak.
How to Fix a Faucet leak
If you’re wondering how to fix a leaky faucet, you first need to deactivate your water supply. Then, disassemble the handles, detach your valve stem, and inspect the different areas of the system. Use the information above to find any damaged parts.
Once you’ve spotted the damage, fix it if you can before putting your faucet back together. This is all tricky work and can easily lead to more damage if you do it incorrectly, so if you’re not sure then call in pipe and sewer repair services to fix your leaky faucet for you.
Get Your Bathtub Faucet Leak Sorted
A bathtub faucet leak is never good, and instead of letting your money drip away, it’s important you get it fixed! If these tips have left you feeling more confused, play it safe and call in a professional to sort the problem for you.
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