Faucets are essential parts of a household plumbing system, which is why it is essential to keep them in good working condition. Leaky faucets may seem like a minor plumbing issue, but they can lead to huge troubles if not fixed quickly. In addition to creating a constant dripping sound, which can be very annoying, the leaks in faucets cause water wastage, resulting in increased water bills.

There are a number of possible causes of leaky faucets. Here, we are highlighting the most common ones:

· A problem in the O-Ring

If the faucet is dripping from near the handle, then a loose or worn-out O-ring is most likely to be the cause.

For those who do not know, an O-ring is a small, rubber gasket in the stem screw that holds the handle of a faucet in its place.  Regular use can cause the rubber disc to become loose or wear out, over time, causing the faucet to start leaking.

This type of faucet drip is simple to repair. All you have to do is to replace the old O-ring with a new one and your problem will be resolved.

· Corrosion of a Valve Seat

A corroded valve seat is usually the culprit behind a leak that seems to be originating from the sprout; around the handle area.

An essential part of the compression mechanism, the valve seat connects the spout and the faucet. But, it often gets corroded due to the buildup of water sediments, causing a leak in the faucet.

This type of leak can easily be prevented by getting the valve seat regularly cleaned by a professional plumber; contact Gilbert Plumbing if you are looking for experienced plumbers in Gilbert, AZ.

· Issues in the Washer

A leak caused by a damaged or worn-out washer is a common cause of leaks in compression faucets. Since the washer and valve seat sits very close to each other, friction is caused between the two parts every time you turn on a faucet.

Over time, this friction can cause the washer to wear out and cause a leak. Replacing the washer is the solution to this problem.

Summary

Leaky faucets may seem like a minor plumbing issue, but they can lead to huge troubles if not fixed quickly. This article discusses the most common causes behind leaky faucets.