Leaking Faucets: What Causes Them, and How to Prevent It
Water is a precious resource that we all need to live. You might not think about this when you are taking a shower, but it’s important to remember the water you use in your home was once at the bottom of a river or lake. A leaking faucet can waste up to 10 gallons of water each day! If you wonder “what size allen wrench to tighten moen kitchen faucet handle“, you probably have a leaky faucet! Here are some of the most common causes for the leaky faucet.
One of the most common causes of leaking faucets is a washer. Water seems like it can be tough on things, but in reality, water is actually very gentle. Over time, though, even the gentlest force will wear down an object and cause leaks to happen. A worn out or damaged washer (the rubber gasket between your sink’s spout and handle) can become too thin over time to keep up with daily use — which often leads to dripping taps! Luckily, this problem is easily fixed by replacing old/worn out washers with new ones that are effective at preventing drips for years to come. Replacing these small parts yourself can save you money as well because faucet repair services typically charge around $75 for this job.
Faucet leaks can also occur if the rubber/plastic gasket between your faucet and spout is loose or missing entirely, which allows water to flow out of that space instead of through the spout like it should (causing a drip). Tighten screws around where the handle meets the faucet body, as well as those along your sink’s edge — these ensure everything stays secure over time and reduces chances of drips from happening in the first place! If you find liquid coming out near where your sink drains into your wall, there may be an issue with wax rings or drain lines.
