Beyond Bending Tell You How
Leaking kitchen faucet can be frustrating and costly. It wastes water, increases your water bill, and can cause damage to your sink and countertop. In this article, we will discuss the causes of leaking kitchen faucet, solutions to fix it, and ways to prevent it from happening again.
Causes of Leaking Kitchen Faucet
There are various reasons why your kitchen faucet is leaking. Below are the most common causes:
Worn Out O-Rings
The O-rings in your faucet serve as a seal to prevent water from leaking out. Over time, they can become worn out and cause leakage. This problem is common in cartridge faucets.
Loose or Worn Out Washers
The washer in your faucet is responsible for controlling the water flow. If it is loose or worn out, it can cause water to leak out. This issue is common in compression faucets.
Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout. If it becomes corroded, it can cause leakage around the spout. This problem is common in older faucets.
Broken Plumbing
If your kitchen faucet is leaking continuously, it could be a sign of broken plumbing. This issue requires the assistance of a professional plumber.
Solutions to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Faucet
Depending on the cause of the leakage, there are different solutions to fix it. Below are the most common solutions:
Replace O-Rings
If the O-rings in your faucet are worn out, you can replace them by removing the spout and replacing the old O-rings with new ones. This solution is applicable for cartridge faucets.
Replace Washers
If the washer in your faucet is loose or worn out, you can replace it by removing the handle and replacing the old washer with a new one. This solution is applicable for compression faucets.
Replace Valve Seat
If the valve seat in your faucet is corroded, you can replace it by removing the spout and replacing the old valve seat with a new one. This solution is applicable for older faucets.
Call a Professional Plumber
If your faucet is still leaking after trying the above solutions, it is time to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
Prevention of Leaking Kitchen Faucet
Preventing leaking kitchen faucet is better than fixing it. Here are some prevention tips:
Regular Maintenance
Regularly check your faucet for any signs of leakage or damage. This will help you identify and fix the problem before it worsens.
Avoid Over-Tightening
Over-tightening your faucet handle can damage the washer and cause leakage. Tighten it only until it is snug.
Use Quality Parts
Using quality parts for your faucet can prevent leakage and prolong its lifespan.
Call a Professional Plumber
If you are unsure of how to fix your faucet or have any doubts about its condition, call a professional plumber to inspect it.
