We spend a lot on water every year in America. Most of us wouldn’t mind reducing our water bill if we can do it comfortably. One easy way to reduce your annual water bill is by fixing all of your dripping faucets. Water dripping from a faucet adds up more than you realize over a year’s time. Dripping also increases the moisture in your home, which can lead to mold. The good news is most dripping faucets can be fixed easily and cheaply by you.
O-Ring Problems
Your O-ring is the sealer of your tap. It controls the amount of water that releases from your faucet. When the ring is loose or damaged, water will flow continuously from the tap, and result in a constant drip. O-ring damage can be a result of poor design and installation, inadequate lubrication, or a wrong ring size. If you have trouble locating your O-ring, an experienced local plumber can do it for you.
Water Pressure
Average water pressure ranges from 45 psi to 55 psi. Higher pressures can cause a faucet to drip. If you’re using your sink or dishwasher and water continues to drip, your pressure may be too high. To determine if your water pressure is too high, you can buy a water pressure gauge to measure the water coming from the faucets. If it’s too high, adjust your regulator at your water source. A plumber can help you accomplish this as well if you’re not up for the task.
Corrosion
Rust is always a possible culprit when it comes to a dripping faucet. Hard water contains multiple minerals and solids, which will form a residue on the tap. As the water flows out of the tap, the hard water minerals will stick on the faucet walls. Over time, the residue starts to attract moisture from the running water and leads to rust. If you suspect rust, check the color of the water coming out. If your water has a brownish tint, you have rust. Water softeners can help, but if the rust is too severe, you’ll need to replace the damaged fixture.
Washer Issue
The washer in your faucet is located above the O-ring. The role of the washer is to seal any gaps bringing water into your sink. Just like the O-ring, the washer can become loose and fail to control water pressure. Wear and tear can cause a washer to stop being effective. If the washer is new but still leaking, then it’s likely the washer was not installed properly or maybe the wrong size.
Need Help Stopping Your Dripping Faucets?
Top of the Line Plumbing provides plumbing services to Duval County, St. Johns County, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and the surrounding areas. There isn’t a plumbing job too big or too small for our team to handle. From repairs and repiping to hydro jetting and water filtration, Top of the Line has the experts to get the job done.
904-647-1221
