Leaks are most often the result of worn washers and O-rings, or components loosened by continuous use. However, the cause of a leak may be something more serious. Over time, sediment buildup can corrode seals and moving parts. Or certain parts may develop cracks. A decrease in water pressure may be a sign of this.
If you’ve noticed one or more faucets in your house are leaking, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible. According to the EPA, leaks in an average household could waste more than 10,000 gallons of water in one year. Just one leaky faucet, dripping at one drop of water per second, is estimated to account for about 3,000 gallons in a year. This can leave you with hefty water bills.
While it’s possible to do some simple fixes yourself, such as replacing washers or tightening some loose screws, more complicated repairs should be left to a professional plumber. The parts of a faucet are made to create a tight seal, and plumbers have the specialized tools necessary for loosening and removing these small, delicate parts without damaging them.
Drain cleaning is one thing you can do yourself, either with store-bought products like Liquid Plumr or Drano, or with natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda or brine. Cleaning your drain regularly keeps grease and other gunk from accumulating and slowing down water flow. Clearing out this stuff reduces pressure on the pipes themselves and can keep breaks from occurring. Vinegar and baking soda also works very well for cleaning off buildup on faucet heads and off of seals. This will help the washers and O-rings to last longer.
Rich’s Plumbing has more than 25 years of experience fixing plumbing problems for communities in Eastern New Jersey. Our technicians are available 24/7, and we will be at your house within 60 minutes for any plumbing, HVAC, water heater, sewer, or drain emergency. Contact us today for a free estimate!