Why do kitchen faucets leak

Due to the hard water we have in Mohave County, particles often make their way into home plumbing systems. The minerals in hard water cause issues for plumbing fixtures like the kitchen sink. There are two common faucet spout leaks: temporary and constant.

Temporary leaks occur when the sink is in use. These leaks are most prevalent in fixtures with dirty or worn-down O-rings, the seal at the faucet base. According to Fluid Power World , O-rings are the most common fluid power seals for preventing leaks. Constant leaks continue even when the sink is off. These persistent leaks develop from mineral or dirt accumulation in the sink valve or cartridge. The buildup wears down the piping and prevents the faucet from shutting off water flow.

A leak at the base of the spout can start small, making it difficult to recognize. Many people do not notice a water leak until the dripping becomes consistent. If you suspect a leak , place a dry paper towel or cloth underneath the spout.

Let it sit for an hour or longer. If the towel is wet when you check back, you may have a leaky kitchen faucet that needs repairing. Related: Schedule Your Service Today. There are two likely sources of leaks under the sink:. These leaks can be very small, so if you can't immediately see the source of the leaking, lay some dry paper towels on the floor or bottom of the vanity and check back in a day or so for water marks on the paper towels.

The water supply lines have three connections you should check: where the supply pipes connect to the shut-off valves; where the valves connect to the flexible supply tubes; and where those supply tubes connect to the tailpieces on the faucet itself. Any of these locations could be the place where water is leaking. It's a matter of close inspection to identify the spot where the leak is occurring, then tightening the fittings to stop the leaking.

In some instance, the shut-off valve or flexible supply tube may be worn out and need to be replaced. It's also possible, though less likely, that the faucet itself is worn out and needs to be replaced. In a very old faucet, the tailpieces may have corroded so far that tight connections to flexible supply tubes are no longer possible. Not all leaking under a sink comes from the faucet.

If it is the sink drain opening or the fittings on the drain P-trap that are leaking, this is also usually a matter of tightening the drain connections. On very old sinks, the drain strainer and tailpiece unit on the sink may be worn out. In this case, replacing the sink drain fitting will be required.

More often, though, it will simply be a matter of tightening these fittings to stop the leak. Black and Decker Here's How Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Book Now A Phoenix Plumber Explains. What causes your Faucet to Drip? Problem in the O ring: A stem screw is used to hold the handle of a faucet in place. Corroded Valve Seat: A valve seat serves as a connection between the faucet and the spout in the compression mechanism.

Worn out Washer: This is one of the most common causes behind a dripping faucet. Improper Installation of Washer: Often, if the washer is not installed properly or is not the right size, it can cause a leaky faucet. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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No purchase required. To unsubscribe text STOP to Learn More. February 18, By yt-admin Comments are Off Did you know that a leaking faucet can waste up to a hundred dollars worth of water? Table of Contents. Yes No. Online Directory Listing Website Other. Emergency Plumbing Services Learn More. Furnace Repair Services Learn More. Drain Cleaning Services Learn More. Bala Cynwyd, PA.

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