You may at first
ignore leaks from your faucets, but the longer you wait, the more serious they
get. If your outdoor
faucet leaks when turned on or off, it can be disastrous and expensive
in the long run. This article explains why you need to know how to diagnose
outdoor faucet leaks.
Detecting Faucet Leaks
You don't always
spot leaks. Sometimes, faucets look fine from the outside but have hidden issues.
You should know how to detect when an outdoor faucet drips when turned on or not to know
when to call in the experts. Here are some top signs to watch out for:
Spout Leaks
One of the most
obvious signs of issues with your outdoor faucet is when you see a spout leak,
even after shutting off the water. The second you notice that you must turn off
the tap tighter or in a certain way to prevent dripping, it is a first sign of
problems.
Base Leaks
Unlike spout
leaks, this happens at the base, where the faucet links with the pipe. Outdoor
conditions make it difficult to spot this leak because water around the base
can pass off as wetness due to splashing outside.
Causes of Outdoor Faucet Leaks
There are several
reasons why your exterior
faucet leaks when turned on; below are the most likely reasons and how
they are fixed.
Faulty O-ring
If the O-ring in
the cartridge is worn out or not working properly, it will lead to spout leaks.
The only way to resolve the problem when this happens is to have the O-ring
replaced.
Malfunctioning or Worn-out
Washer
The washer is
fixed against the valve, which is another component that causes spout leaks.
The more you use your tap, the more friction with the valve, and with time, the
washer starts wearing out. You need a quality washer of the right size
installed correctly; otherwise, you will keep running into the same issues.
Extremely High Water Pressure
If there is
excessive water pressure in the outdoor faucet, it may take a toll on the
system, leading to leaks. It is best to call a professional to help in such
cases before the damage escalates.
Loose or Faulty Components
The components of
the system may be working perfectly, but leaks may occur if they get loose over
time. The more you use your outdoor faucets, the more likely the components are
to get loose. These will require tightening and readjustments to stop the
leaks.
Contact the Experts
Faucet leaks lead
to high water bills and other damage to your plumbing system, explaining why
you should know how to detect them. If you see a spout or base leak, it may be
time to seek plumbing repair in Kennesaw from
A-Total Plumbing.