You plop on your couch, grab the remote control, and prepare for an evening of binge-watching your favorite show. But the moment you settle into position, a persistent trickling noise catches your attention. You turn to see a slow, steady drip pinging in the sink. “Why is my kitchen faucet leaking?” you groan at the mild annoyance.
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has dealt with every type of leaky fixture during our plumbing repair services in Sperry, OK. Our plumbers explain why your old faucet drips and trickles below.
Why Is My Kitchen Faucet Leaking?
When kitchen faucets leak, it’s usually due to some sort of malfunction. Faucets contain many components inside the handle and spigot, and any of these pieces can break down over time due to age. Let’s explore some of those parts below.
#1 Corroded Washers and O-Rings
“Why is my kitchen faucet leaking? What’s the most common issue?” Washers and O-rings tend to wear out the fastest. Washers keep water flowing smoothly and predictably, while O-rings close the spigot when you turn the faucet off.
A worn-out washer develops corrosion and structural damage after years of use. It allows water to escape through tiny chips or cracks. Meanwhile, a faulty O-ring can degrade within two to three years because it’s made from a flexible rubber or plastic material, which can decay more rapidly than other parts.
#2 Loose Pieces
Anytime a component isn’t snugly in place, water can more easily escape it. Loose faucet parts can cause anything from periodic drips to constant trickles. A plumber in Sperry, or a plumbing repair company in Bixby, OK, can typically fix this issue by dismantling the faucet and tightening those loose components so they fit more securely.
#3 Old Cartridge
“Why is my kitchen faucet leaking? Are there any other reasons?” You might need a cartridge replacement service to regain control over your faucet. Cartridges enable you to manage the water temperature and pressure when you turn on a faucet.
If you lift the handle all the way up, you’ll get water flowing at full force. Push it down a little to slow the flow. Turn the handle to the left for hot water, and so forth.
Cartridges are typically only found in faucets with lever-like handles since dual-knobbed faucets use two handles for separate temperature controls. Your cartridge may last five to 10 years, depending on its quality.
#4 Valve Seat Corrosion
The valve seat and its springs enable you to turn off the water whenever you want. It’s wedged securely between the handle and the spigot. The persistent movement and force of water eventually result in a corroded valve seat. The water finds an easy outlet, using it to escape and drain out.
#5 Excessive Water Pressure
“My fixture components should be in relatively good shape. Why is my kitchen faucet leaking?” Sometimes, damaged or loose components aren’t to blame for the never-ending drip of your faucet. Intense water pressure can cause perfectly functional parts to give way to its force.
Water pressure issues typically occur when the pressure is too high for the fixtures to contain. Washers, valve seats, and cartridges might become chipped or loose as a result, enabling the water to force its way through.
Should I Seek a Repair or Replacement Service in Sperry, Oklahoma?
If you’ve only had your current kitchen faucet for a few years, you probably just need a simple adjustment or part replacement. Some internal components might fail before their time, but the faucet otherwise works perfectly. However, you should replace a faucet that is 10 or more years old.
Plumbers in Sperry, Oklahoma, can help you with choosing a new kitchen faucet that meets your modern lifestyle needs. Plus, shiny, new faucets elevate the look of your kitchen.
Why Quickly Solving Leaky Faucets Is Essential
You might have an uncanny ability to ignore constant background sounds, but you should still address faucet leaks as quickly as possible. If you let the leak continue, you’ll waste water and spike your utility bills. Plus, constant leaks cause additional wear and tear on faucet parts.
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric Helps You Pick the Best Route in Sperry, Oklahoma
“Why is my kitchen faucet leaking? I’ll let Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric do the detective work!”
Our plumbers would love to fix or replace your fixtures in Sperry, Oklahoma. Find out whether you need a complete bathroom and kitchen overhaul by reading these home plumbing upgrade signs.
