Dripping faucets in Las Vegas might not seem like a major plumbing problem. However, if left unchecked and unresolved, they waste water and can become bigger problems. Dripping faucets can also be rather annoying from the sound of the water dripping from a faucet and hitting the bottom of the sink, tub, or shower. If you notice a dripping faucet, it is important to fix it as soon as possible.
Call Larkin Plumbing 24/7 for help with your dripping faucets.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Dripping Faucets?
Some of the most common causes of dripping faucets include:
- Worn-out O-rings: O-rings are rubber components that help ensure the faucet is sealed. When these wear out, small amounts of water can pass through, even when the faucet is off.
- Loose parts: Water can leak out if any internal parts inside the faucet come loose.
- Worn-out washers: Some faucets use washers that can warp and deteriorate over time, causing slow drips from the faucet.
- Water pressure too high: Excessive water pressure can damage internal faucet parts, create dripping faucets, and cause other plumbing issues.
- Dirty aerator: If the aerator has too much sediment buildup, it may not fully stop water from dripping.
- Hard water corrosion: Hard water can corrode various parts inside the faucet, damaging them and causing drips.
Can a Dripping Faucet Increase My Water Bill?
A dripping faucet water leak slowly wastes water, which can increase your water bill. The Las Vegas Valley Water District does charge residential customers an excess water usage fee if they exceed established monthly thresholds. Even if you do not hit these thresholds, you want to resolve the dripping faucet to reduce your water bill.
How Do I Know if I Need To Replace My Faucet?
Deciding whether to replace your faucet or fix it when water is dripping from it depends on several factors, including:
- The age of the faucet: If it is more than five years old, it is better to replace it with a new one, as water-conservation features are constantly updated.
- Leaks from around the handle and other areas: If leaks are also occurring from the faucet, faucet base, or other areas, it is better to just replace the faucet, as this indicates numerous problems with it.
- Corrosion and mineral deposits: If the faucet has significant corrosion and mineral deposits, it is better to replace it because these will only continue to cause future drips and leaks.
- Water flow issues: If water flows out slowly and there are no water pressure issues, this indicates excess sediment buildup inside the faucet.
Are Dripping Faucets a Sign of a Bigger Plumbing Issue?
Dripping faucets could indicate bigger plumbing leaks and sink faucet issues. Check under the sink for water stains, as they indicate leaks.
How Much Water Can a Dripping Faucet Waste?
The amount of water a dripping faucet wastes depends on how fast it is dripping. The USGS has a drip calculator you can use to determine water waste. For example, a single faucet with ten drips per minute wastes one gallon of water daily, or just over 347 gallons annually.
What Tools Do I Need To Fix a Dripping Faucet?
The tools required to fix a dripping faucet depend on:
- The cause of the leak
- The type of faucet you have:
- Cartridge
- Disc
- Ball
- Compression washer
The tools needed can include:
- O-rings
- Washers
- Allen wrenches
- Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers of various sizes
- Spanner wrench
- Utility knife
- Slip-joint pliers
- C-wrench
- Faucet repair kit
- Plumbers tape
- Plumbers sealant
- Replacement cartridges
- Flashlight
- Channel locks
- Basin wrench
Should I Call a Plumber To Fix a Dripping Faucet?
Deciding whether to call a residential plumber to fix a dripping faucet depends on how comfortable you are with taking it apart and putting it back together. For instance, if it is just a simple matter of removing the aerator and changing out the O-ring, you could probably handle this yourself.
However, if you need to disassemble the faucet housing or handles to resolve the problem, getting help from a plumber could be worthwhile. Some people attempt more complex repairs, only further damaging the faucet and ultimately still having to call a plumber.
Another reason to call a plumber is if you need specialized plumbing tools or if it is time to replace the entire faucet.
Can a Dripping Faucet Damage My Sink or Countertop?
The hard water in Las Vegas contains minerals and calcium. As it drips, it can lead to buildup staining the sink. The water can also splatter onto the countertop, staining it with mineral buildup. Over time, the stains become impossible to remove. You may want to get a water softener installed to remedy hard water issues.
Can Hard Water Cause My Faucet to Drip?
Yes, hard water can cause your faucet to drip from the mineral and calcium buildup inside the faucet. This causes corrosion and eventually becomes so bad the faucet can no longer stop the flow of water, resulting in it dripping.
Get Help With Dripping Faucets From Larkin Plumbing in Las Vegas
When you notice dripping faucets in your Las Vegas home, do not delay in getting them fixed. Not only are you wasting water and increasing your water bill, there could be other plumbing issues. You can rely on Larkin Plumbing to provide prompt, reliable, and friendly service with no hidden fees and free estimates. Our licensed and insured plumbers will make short work of dripping faucets.
Contact Larkin Plumbing to schedule plumbing services today.
Sources:
Drip Calculator: How Much Water Does a Leaking Faucet Waste? (2024).
High Bill? (2024).