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Plumbing leaks typically come in varying forms and sizes. A faucet leak is the most common type of plumbing leak. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaking faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water yearly, equivalent to the amount of water required to take over 180 showers.

The more your faucet drips without any immediate measures to stop it, the higher your water bill rises. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, your trusted plumbing service, we handle different cases of faucet leaks, each varying in degree depending on the different causing factors. We provide immediate leak repair services and general plumbing service in Haslet, TX.

Below is an in-depth guide on the types of faucets, causes of faucet leaks, and different types of plumbing leaks you should also look out for during an independent plumbing service inspection.

Types of Faucets

Generally, there are four common types of faucets that plumbing services offer, each with distinct characteristics and function modes. These faucet types include:

1. Ball Faucets

A ball faucet is a single-handle faucet that uses a ball joint to control the cold and hot water lines. The ball faucets feature a notable handle sitting above a ball-shaped cap on the faucet spout’s top. The faucet’s single-handle lifts to control water flow. It also moves sideways to control the temperature. The ball faucet works courtesy of the ball assembly comprising O-rings, slots, and spring-loaded rubber springs.

Since ball faucets typically require many parts, including corrosion and wear-prone rubber parts, they require frequent repairs and more maintenance than alternative faucet types. Ball faucets also tend to leak more, requiring regular inspection and maintenance to keep them in good working condition. Generally, they are common in kitchens and high-use places.

2. Disc Faucets

It is arguable the best type of faucet technology a plumbing service can offer. A disc faucet has an easily notable single-lever control and broad, cylindrical build. In addition, it has two ceramic discs at the bottom of the chamber’s interior that regulate the water temperature. Cold and hot water mix in this chamber is controlled proportionally with the aid of the control lever’s side-to-side angle.

Disc faucets are the most reliable in the market, needing less frequent repairs and maintenance, unlike other faucet types. Regardless, repairing disc faucets is relatively tricky, so be sure to contact an expert plumbing service Haslet, TX plumbing service provider to assist in minimizing potential damages of an attempted DIY repair.

3. Compression Faucet

A compression faucet is double-handled, meaning each handle on the water spout’s sides controls the cold and hot water lines. Unlike a cartridge faucet, which bears a resemblance to compression faucets, a compression faucet feels less pressurized as you turn it on and more pressurized as you close it. It functions by using a glorified screw pushing against a rubber washer, forming a seal to shut off the water.

The compression faucet features the oldest technology in faucets. As such, it is very affordable and easy to come across. Unfortunately, it is also easily prone to faucet damage and repairs and high, frequent leaks.

4. Cartridge Faucet

A cartridge faucet closely resembles a compression faucet until you closely feel how each works. A cartridge faucet is generally smoother to operate. It has a smooth and consistent feel across the twisting axis.

These faucet types come with easy-to-grasp lever-style handles that are also easy to turn, compared to round, valve-style handles. Fortunately, cartridge faucets require less maintenance and are highly reliable, owing to the accompanying cartridge design.

What Causes Faucets to Leak?

As previously mentioned, faucet leaks are costly both practically and financially. However, understanding your faucet leaks and their accompanying parts can help you understand potential leak causes. Whether or not you can identify the cause of the leak yourself, ensure you consult a professional plumbing service Haslet, TX expert for repairs and any necessary actions required to prevent further faucet leaks. Below are some of the common causes of faucet leaks.

• Damaged and Worn-Out Parts

Are you using a cartridge-style faucet? The common cause of faucet leaks in a cartridge faucet is a damaged cartridge. The cartridge valves on each handle control the water flow into the faucet spout. Therefore, if you notice leaks and water dripping, this is an evident sign of cartridge damage.

Broken/damaged washers also cause faucet leaks. A washer rests against the valve seat and is prone to gradual wear out due to the constant friction. Additionally, an improperly installed or undersized washer also leads to faucet leaks.

However, if you are using a compression faucet, the seal can sometimes spoil since it constantly holds back water pressure when the faucet is turned off. The leaks could also be a result of a malfunctioning O-ring located in the faucet. If either of your faucet’s handles is leaking, a worn-out or loose O-ring is the most probable cause.

Additionally, if you notice a faucet leak from the spout, chances are the valve seat is heavily deteriorated and damaged. Sediment build-ups can corrode the valve seat, potentially leading to faucet leaks at the spouts.

Damages to either or all of these parts are the common causes of faucet leaks. However, an old faucet with worn-out parts is also likely to be the cause. Call out experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing service to fix or replace damaged/worn-out faucet parts causing faucet leaks.

• High Water Pressure

If you notice faucet leaks from your fixtures only at specific times of the day, for example, in the evening or when not using any other plumbing fixture, there is a high likelihood you are dealing with high water pressures.

The water pressure becomes too high, especially when you are not using any other fixture in your house or throughout the neighborhood. Unfortunately, this starts with a small leak in the faucet, progressing to pinhole leaks in your pipes and eventually worsening. Consider calling an expert plumbing service provider in Haslet, TX, for immediate action.

• Cracks in Your Plumbing

Leaks often happen where the fitting is loose or the plumbing pipe is cracked and through the faucet closest to these leaks. Call an expert plumbing service to inspect the piping underneath your sink, especially if you notice a slow and steady faucet leak. You can check for any holes, cracks, or loose fittings where your pipes connect. Not surprisingly, the leak could also be originating from behind the walls. Therefore, hire a professional from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, your trusted plumbing service, to inspect your plumbing if you are unsure.

Why Should I Worry About A Faucet Leak?

Homeowners typically underestimate the impact of even the tiniest of faucet leaks. Besides the possibility of leaky faucets suggesting the presence of other plumbing issues, even one leaky faucet can contribute to approximately 10% of your water bill. Unfortunately, the damage goes way beyond here.

A sink is not designed for slow, steady water drips. The faucet leak can lead to several strange happenings, especially if hard water potentially leaves mineral stains and build-ups. The accompanying consequences include damaged sealants, a hard-to-clean mess, and damage that warrants sink repair or replacement.

More importantly, if you are environmentally conscious, you should have at least a rough idea or estimation of the number of gallons of water these faucet leaks lead to. This alone should sufficiently motivate you to reach out to our plumbing service Haslet, TX experts to determine the cause and fix your faucet leaks.

Other Types of Plumbing Leaks

Besides faucet leaks, plumbing fixtures can suffer different types of leaks, each with different causes and appropriate remedies from your plumbing service. Types of plumbing leaks include:

1. Water Supply Leaks

These leaks contribute heavily to compromising your home’s structural integrity and decreasing value. Water supply leaks happen due to burst pipes, tube splitting, and solder joint failures. Bursting pipe water supply leaks are common in winter. Water in the pipe freezes due to the temperature drop, leading the pipes to expand and consequently burst.

Fortunately, a water supply leak is easily noticeable, especially since it makes a loud gurgling noise when the water passes via the burst pipes. Failure to fix water supply leaks on time damages your home’s interior and structure, especially if originating from a higher floor or part of the house in your building.

2. Water Heater Leaks

Are you using a traditional water heater in your home? Unlike the tankless water heater, the traditional tank water heater is more prone to leaks, solely owing to the presence of a tank, which is susceptible to leaks.

Their constant holding of water and dealing with varying temperatures provide traditional water heaters provide the perfect recipe for decaying seals. A faulty pressure release valve is the most prevalent cause of water heater leaks. This valve is conveniently designed to leak water when it senses excess pipe pressure. Therefore, if the valve is functioning correctly, the unusual water heater leak could result from unusual water pressure settings or setting temperatures too high. Common causes of water heater leaks include:

• Old tanks. Traditional water heater tanks typically last 10-15 years, while tankless water heaters can last 20 years. However, when either of these maximizes their lifespan, they become more susceptible to rust, corrosion, and cracks, which are agents of fixture leaks
• Loose drain valve
• Excessive pressure. A water heater deals with naturally appearing water pressure which occurs since the hot water forms steam that fills up the heater’s empty spaces. The steam then becomes excess and finds its way out of any possible cracks and space
• Loose inlet and outlet connections
• Sediment build-ups form cracks that allow leakage
• A nearly non-existent anode rod due to excessive corrosion leads to water leaks where the rod was previously.

3. Toilet Leaks

They are common in heavily used toilets. Unfortunately, toilet leaks often go unnoticed since they rarely make noises. Toilet leaks cause worse health hazards than other leaks types and pose a danger to your home’s interior and woodwork if not addressed by a plumbing service early enough.

Be on the lookout for hissing sounds of running water, which means that the toilet’s flappers are possibly leaking. Toilets also leak due to damaged fill tubes or toilet floats.

Common causes of toilet leaks include:

• Condensation on the bowl. Inspect whether or not the water you notice is condensation before assuming the toilet is leaking. A bathroom can get highly humid, especially after a shower, resulting in condensation drip on the toilet. Fortunately, this is never much a cause for alarm since the condensation water is typically small
• Crack on the toilet bowl or tank
• Rusted pipes
• Worn-out or loose seal at the base, especially if water is pooling around your toilet’s base
• Worn-out or loose tank-to-bowl connections
• Misadjusted flush valve assembly
• Worn-out flappers.

Call an expert plumbing service immediately in the event of a toilet leak to avoid aggravating the health hazard.

4. Drain Leaks

Drains flowing water out of a shower or bathroom are notable weak spots and may leak over time without catching your attention. The first pipe section below the drain is a common leakage source. Failure to detect this leak on time leads to a worsening situation and property damage.

Once water damage on the ceiling below the tub or discoloration around the drain appears, detecting a drain leak becomes easily noticeable. If you want to identify the leak and stop the damage from escalating, inspect the flooring around the drains and check for signs such as lifting flooring sheets or tiles. Contact a local Haslet plumbing service immediately if you notice any signs of leakage.

How to Prevent Plumbing Leaks

How do you prevent a faucet from leaking? Generally, there are different plumbing fixtures in a typical household. There is no one better universal way to prevent plumbing leaks in all these fixtures than scheduling expert plumbing services such as inspection and maintenance.

However, as a homeowner, the best way to prevent your faucet from leaking is to ensure you are using new and well-functioning plumbing fixtures. If your plumbing fixtures are past their lifespan, you are exposing them to leaks. Plumbing leaks are expensive and inconvenient in the long run.

Are you having any leaking faucets in your home? Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth for fast and professional plumbing service in Haslet, TX.