Don’t Let Drips Drain Your Wallet: Essential Faucet Repair and Troubleshooting

A leaky faucet is more than just annoying. That constant drip-drip-drip is water (and money) literally going down the drain. The good news is, some simple faucet repair tips are within the realm of DIY, and even small adjustments can make a big difference in water conservation. Let’s dive in!

Common Causes of Leaky Faucets

• Worn Washers: These small rubber or silicone seals inside the faucet handle get brittle over time, leading to drips even when the faucet is ‘off’.
• Damaged O-Rings: Seals around the base of the handle stem, also prone to wear and tear, causing leaks where the handle meets the faucet body.
• Faulty Cartridges: Some modern faucets use a cartridge instead of washers. When this wears out, leaks result.
• Loose Parts: Packing nuts and other components can loosen with use. Sometimes simply tightening them solves a leak.
• Corroded Valve Seat: The seal between the faucet and spout. Mineral buildup or wear here causes constant drips.

DIY Faucet Fix-It Tips

Before starting, shut off water to the faucet (fixture valve under the sink) AND plug the drain to avoid losing small parts!

• Swap Out Washers: Relatively easy. Kits come with various washer sizes. Turn off the water, remove the handle, replace the old washer, reassemble.
• Replace O-Rings: Similar to washers, these rubber rings sit on the handle stem under the decorative cap.
• Tackle Loose Nuts: Carefully tighten any loose components found as you disassemble the faucet. Don’t overtighten.
• Clean Aerator: Unscrew this screen at the tip of your faucet repair. Gunk can build up, impacting water flow efficiency. Soak in vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup.

When to Call the Plumbing Pros at Ory’s

• Leak Won’t Stop After DIY: This may mean more complex issues in the internal workings of the faucet or your supply lines.
• Faucet Is Old or Corroded: Sometimes replacement is more cost-effective than further repairs on a worn-out unit.
• Hard Water Concerns: Limescale buildup may clog more than the aerator, damaging the valve seat or internal workings of the faucet. Pros can evaluate this.
• Major Upgrade: If those basic fixes don’t satisfy and you want to upgrade, we can help choose and install efficient, stylish new faucets.

Beyond Fixing Leaks: Water Savings

• Install Low-Flow Aerators: Inexpensive upgrade that significantly cuts water waste without sacrificing water pressure.
• Choose Water Sense Faucets: These use at least 20% less water, meeting EPA efficiency standards. Good for your bills and the environment.
• Fix Leaks FAST: A faucet that drips once per second wastes several thousand gallons a year! Think of the money saved as well as the water.

Ory’s Plumbing Solutions: Leak Stoppers, Efficiency Boosters

We’re here for your plumbing woes, big or small:

• Troubleshooting & Repair: From quick fixes to major overhauls, we diagnose and fix the problem with precision.
• Recommendations on Faucet Upgrades: We can source modern, water-saving fixtures to enhance both your bathroom’s function and look.
• Preventative Maintenance: Let us inspect your plumbing for potential leaks you may not see, saving you major headaches later on.

Stop wasting water and start saving money! Contact Ory’s Plumbing Solutions for help fixing those leaky faucets or upgrading to water-saving models.