Faucets are a critical part of your plumbing system. For this reason, you should ensure they are always in perfect condition. However, a homeowner needs to know that some of their faucets will not always function properly because they will sometimes leak. Of course, a leaky faucet is among one of the few plumbing problems you can ignore, but its impact on your water bills and property damage is great. So whenever you notice that your faucets are leaking or dripping, you should contact a plumber to fix them. Usually, most homeowners can tell when their faucets are leaking, but they can't perhaps tell why they are leaking. Here's why your faucets are likely to leak and why quick fixes are critical.

O-Ring Is Defective

When the O-ring isn't in good condition, the faucet is definitely going to leak. The ring looks like a small disc, and it's normally attached to the stem screw that usually holds the faucet's handle. The O-rings will wear out or become loose with regular use, leading to a leaky faucet. This typically happens because the ring can no longer control the amount of water the faucet releases. Most O-rings develop problems as a result of inadequate lubrication or general wear and tear. So if your faucet is leaking, let a plumber repair it because they can easily diagnose the cause.

The Valve Seat Is Corroded

A valve seat is a significant part of your faucet, and it usually connects the faucet base and spout. Although it's designed to function properly for a long time, issues like corrosion make it less efficient. When sediment builds up around this part, it usually gets corroded, causing the faucet to leak. If the valve is completely faulty, the plumber will remove it by pulling off the seal and replace it. People who opt to handle leaky faucets themselves don't know how to carry out this quick fix, and they instead have to get a new faucet to solve the problem.

The Packing Nut Has Become Loose

A faucet isn't just comprised of an O-ring and valve seat, it also has other components like the packing nut. When each of these components isn't working, the faucet will leak. If you realize that the faucet leaks near the spout or handle, then the packing nut might be too loose. In this case, you need to tighten it carefully. Ensure you don't over-tighten the handle threads or even strip them because you may aggravate the problem and make it too costly to fix.

A faucet could also leak due to age or when the pipe fitted to it is damaged. You shouldn't treat leaky faucets as minor plumbing problems simply because the leaks or drips aren't aggressive. Where possible, always ensure a plumber fixes the leaky faucet to avoid water wastage, damp spots, mold problems, and property damage. Reach out to a local plumber to learn more.