Just about everyone will experience a leaky faucet at some point in their lives. Those who rent might dismiss it as a minor annoyance, but those who own their home know that a leaky faucet can result in big bills down the line. Aside from the increase in your water bills, leaky faucets can lead to bigger plumbing problems if the leak isn’t properly fixed.
While discovering that you have a leaky faucet might not feel like that serious of an emergency, we advise that you take care of the problem sooner rather than later. Here’s what we want homeowners to know about leaky faucets and what you should do if you discover that you have one.
The Hidden Costs of a Leaky Faucet
A lot of people will dismiss a leaky faucet as just a minor issue. However, you’d be surprised to find out that even a minor leak can result in an estimated 3,000 gallons of water wasted each year. Aside from how wasteful and bad for the environment this is, a leaky faucet can result in excessively high water bills and deplete your wallet.
In addition to wasted water and higher bills, leaks can damage fixtures over time, causing finishes to dull. In some cases, it can even lead to mold and mildew, especially if the leak is hidden under the sink or behind the walls. With plumbing, there isn’t such a thing as a “minor leak.” Just about all leaks are a sign that you need a professional repair.
The Problem With DIY Fixes
There are many reasons why faucets leak. Sometimes it’s the result of a problem with the faucet itself and other times it might have to do with a more serious problem with the overall flow of water in your home. Many homeowners believe that if a leak is minor, they can probably fix it on their own. We discourage homeowners from attempting to fix a leak. Those without advanced plumbing knowledge will often guess what the problem is rather than correctly diagnose the problem.
For example, you might read an article online that says the fix is as simple as a worn-out seal. After purchasing the items you need for the repair and watching a few tutorials on YouTube, you attempt to fix the problem yourself. When everything is said and done, your faucet has a brand-new seal, but the leak persists. In this situation, you end up having to call a plumber to fix the leak anyway.
Why You Should Call a Professional
Attempting to diagnose and fix a leaky faucet on your own can result in wasted time and money. Therefore, we recommend that you call a professional plumber. Here are the reasons why it’s always a smart idea to get a professional to fix a leak.
Proper Diagnosis
A professional plumber can take the guesswork out of figuring out the root cause of the leak, as they have the training and knowledge to do so. Knowing what the problem is before you begin repairing it ensures that the job is done correctly the first time and that the leak is repaired much sooner.
Right Tools and Parts
Plumbers have the tools and equipment necessary for just about any repair. When you attempt a DIY plumbing repair, you might be surprised to see how many specialty tools are required for plumbing work. The wrench that you use for basic little fixes throughout the house might not be the right wrench for your plumbing job. Furthermore, buying all the tools and parts you need to fix a leak yourself can be expensive. This can result in a huge waste of money if your DIY repair doesn’t fix the leak.
Compliance With Local Codes
Many homeowners are surprised to find out just how many local codes and ordinances exist regarding the plumbing system of their homes. When homeowners attempt to fix plumbing problems in their homes on their own, they might inadvertently violate a local plumbing code that they didn’t know existed in the first place. Professional plumbers stay up-to-date on local codes and ordinances, which means your professional repair will ensure your home remains code compliant.
How to Prevent Future Leaks
Some leaks are inevitable, as pipes and plumbing components corrode and become worn down from flowing water over time. A leaky faucet doesn’t necessarily mean that you or your family did something wrong. However, there are a few steps you can take to prevent future leaks from springing.
Be Gentle
You don’t have to be ultra-gentle with your kitchen sink or treat it like it’s made of glass. However, being a bit cognizant of how your turn handles or move the faucet can help to reduce wear and tear. Many people will turn their sink handles into the off position very tightly. They assume that they’re preventing leaks by ensuring the water is “turned all the way off.” However, you’re increasing the likelihood that a leak will occur by putting extra strain on the valves. Gently turn the water off when you’re done with it without pushing the handles with excessive tightness and force.
Consider Water Softeners
Hard water is much harsher on your home’s plumbing than soft water. The harsh minerals in hard water can cause pipes to corrode and components to wear down a lot faster than if a home has soft water. If you find that your faucets’ finishes are dull and you seem to discover new leaks often, consider investing in a soft water system. Aside from the benefit to your home’s plumbing, soft water is also better for your hair, skin and nails.
Consider Installing a New Faucet
If you’ve had to have leaks fixed on the same sink more than once, it might be time to consider having a new faucet installed. At a certain age, plumbing features have begun to corrode and wear down to the point where they’ll never work optimally again and will continuously need repairs. Sometimes it’s a lot easier and cheaper to invest in a new faucet than it is to keep repairing the same old one.
The One Step to Take When Your Faucet is Leaking
We know that homeowners are eager to save money where they can and tackle household projects on their own. However, when you’re experiencing a leaking faucet, the one step to take is to call our team at Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Newburg, NY. Our trained plumbers know how to diagnose the cause of your leaky faucet accurately. Furthermore, we’ll be able to fix the problem professionally and promptly, restoring your faucet to proper working order as quickly as possible.
In addition to plumbing services, we offer heating and cooling services. Our trained HVAC technicians can help to ensure that your home is ready for whatever the new season might bring. Ask us about our drain cleaning solutions, too!
Call us today to schedule a repair for that leaky faucet or any other issues that you might be experiencing.
