14 May Faucet Leaks and What Causes Them
Faucet leaks are caused by faulty washers, O-rings, ceramic discs or cartridges. Leaky faucets, however, are caused by anything from a broken pipe or a loose fitting. The steps the homeowner should take when a faucet leak is detected are to first, turn the water off, then plug the drain to prevent losing jewellery or other small articles from falling down the drain.
Fixing a Faucet
An HMS certified plumber is qualified to repair every type of faucet. A plumber will begin by turning off the water and plugging up the drain. Next, the faucet will be disassembled to find the source of the leak.
Compression Faucets
Faucet leaks can easily be repaired if you have the right tools and parts. Repairing a compression faucet requires removing the faucets. Beneath the faucet, sit the O-ring and the washer, both of which can be worn. If the handle leaks water, it’s probably the O-ring that needs to be replaced. A worn washer could also cause a leak.
Ball Faucets
One of our plumbers can assess your ball faucet and taken on the repairs and/or replacement.
Cartridge Faucet
A cartridge faucet usually only needs to have one part replaced when a leak occurs — the O-ring. It is difficult to get to the O-ring, however. An HMS plumber can replace the part for you in no time at all.
Ceramic Disc Faucet
This can require replacement due to corroded parts. Although sometimes they can be cleaned with a solution of vinegar and water.
If you think you might have a leak, then call HMS Plumbing today at (703-583-8205)