That occasional drip from your kitchen or bathroom faucet might not seem like a serious plumbing problem, but those small drops can add up to a surprising amount of wasted water.
According to the EPA, a faucet leaking at a rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s enough water for more than 180 showers.
Fortunately, many dripping faucets can be repaired relatively quickly. Taking care of the problem can conserve water, help reduce your water bill, and prevent a minor plumbing issue from becoming a bigger one.
The exact amount of water wasted depends on the size of each drip and how frequently the faucet leaks.
A faucet that drips only occasionally may not waste a tremendous amount of water on its own. But a faucet dripping every few seconds—or multiple leaking fixtures throughout a home—can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons over time.
The easiest way to think about it is this: a leak doesn’t stop wasting water when you’re not paying attention to it.
It continues 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
That’s why even a relatively small plumbing leak is worth addressing.
A dripping faucet can have several possible causes. The exact problem often depends on the type and age of the fixture.
Common causes include:
Sometimes replacing a small internal component is enough to stop the leak. In other cases, particularly with an older or heavily corroded fixture, replacing the faucet may make more sense.
An experienced plumber can diagnose the source of the leak and determine whether repair or replacement is the better option.
The wasted water isn’t the only reason to repair a dripping faucet.
Leaks tend to get worse as components continue to wear. What begins as an occasional drip can eventually become a steady stream or lead to water leaking around the fixture.
Depending on where the leak occurs, moisture can also contribute to:
Taking care of a leak early is generally easier than waiting until it causes additional damage.
A dripping faucet is obvious because you can usually see or hear it. Other household plumbing leaks can be much harder to notice.
Keep an eye out for warning signs such as:
If your water usage suddenly increases without an obvious explanation, it may be worth having your home’s plumbing system inspected for leaks.
Whether a faucet should be repaired or replaced depends on its condition.
A relatively new faucet with a worn cartridge, washer, or seal may be a good candidate for repair. An older fixture with corrosion, recurring leaks, or multiple worn components may be better replaced.
You may also want to consider replacement if you’re already planning to update the kitchen or bathroom or would like a newer water-efficient fixture.
A professional plumber can inspect the faucet and help you determine which approach makes the most sense.
A dripping faucet might seem like a minor annoyance, but ignoring it can waste a significant amount of water over time. Addressing the problem early can conserve water, prevent additional plumbing damage, and eliminate that constant dripping sound.
Ehret Inc. provides professional plumbing repair services for homeowners in Belleville, IL and surrounding communities. Whether you have a dripping faucet, leaking fixture, water heater problem, clogged drain, or another plumbing concern, our experienced team can help identify the problem and recommend an appropriate solution.
Don’t let a small leak turn into a bigger problem. Request plumbing service from Ehret Inc. today.
