Why Is My Bathroom Faucet Leaking? Common Causes & Solutions
A leaking bathroom faucet isn’t just an inconvenience—it can lead to increased water bills, wasted resources, and potential damage to your bathroom fixtures. A small, continuous drip may not seem like much, but over time, it can add up to gallons of wasted water every day. If your faucet is leaking, it’s essential to understand the root cause and take the necessary steps to fix it before the problem worsens.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons for a leaking bathroom faucet and how to troubleshoot and repair it effectively. Plus, we’ll explain why choosing good bathroom faucets from Galim Bath is the best way to ensure durability and prevent leaks.
Common Causes of a Leaking Bathroom Faucet
1. Worn-Out Washers
One of the most common reasons for a leaking faucet is a worn-out washer. Washers are small rubber or silicone components that create a tight seal when the faucet is turned off. However, constant friction against the valve seat leads to wear and tear over time, causing water to seep through.
Fix:
- Shut off the water supply to prevent flooding.
- Disassemble the faucet handle and remove the old washer.
- Replace it with a new one of the same size and material.
- Reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on to check for leaks.
2. Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and helps regulate water flow. Over time, mineral buildup from hard water can cause corrosion, leading to leaks at the base of the spout.
Fix:
- Clean the valve seat regularly with a cleaning solution to remove mineral deposits.
- If the corrosion is severe, consider replacing the valve seat to prevent further leaks.
3. Faulty O-Rings
The O-ring is a small rubber gasket that helps secure the faucet handle in place. If it becomes loose, cracked, or worn out, water can begin to leak from the base of the handle.
Fix:
- Remove the faucet handle to access the O-ring.
- Check for cracks or deterioration.
- Replace the damaged O-ring with a new one of the same size.
4. Loose or Broken Cartridge
Most of the top rated bathroom faucets come with a cartridge system, which controls water flow and temperature. When the cartridge is loose, broken, or worn, it will cause ongoing dripping from the spout.
Fix:
- Turn off the water supply.
- Remove the faucet handle to access the cartridge.
- Check if the cartridge is loose and tighten it if necessary.
- If the cartridge is damaged, replace it with a compatible model.
5. High Water Pressure
Water pressure that’s very high could result in spasmodic leaks, both under periods of lowered water use (e.g., while sleeping overnight) particularly. This could be putting too much pressure on the faucet’s interior parts, which results in non-stop drips.
Fix:
- If it’s high water pressure, then use a water pressure gauge to take a reading of the water pressure from your home.
- If it is above 60 PSI, fit a pressure regulator to keep it at a safe level.
Why Choose Galim Bath for Good Bathroom Faucets?
If you are tired of dealing with leaky faucets, then investing in our best-rated bathroom faucets is the best choice. We produce products to last, to function, and to provide your bathroom with its best, so you can live your dream life leak-free.
Why Choose Us?
Premium Materials: Our top rated bathroom faucets are made with solid brass and stainless steel, and thus are extremely resistant to corrosion and wear.
Advanced Cartridge Technology: Our high-quality brass cartridges reduce the likelihood of leaks and ensure long-term performance of our good bathroom faucets.
Certified and Compliant Products: Our products and top rated bathroom faucets meet strict industry certifications, including cUPC, NSF, AB1953, ADA, and EPA WaterSense Standards.
5-Year Limited Warranty & Lifetime Support: We stand behind our products with a solid warranty and lifetime parts support, giving you peace of mind.
Customizable Designs: Whether you need a modern or classic faucet, our extensive selection of good Bathroom faucets ensures you find the perfect match for your bathroom.
By choosing us, you’re investing in good bathroom faucets that are designed to last, reducing the chances of leaks and costly repairs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Leaking Faucet
If you’ve identified the cause of your leak, follow this step-by-step repair guide to fix it effectively.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridges
- Plumber’s tape
- Cleaning Solution
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before starting any repair, turn off the water supply using the shut-off valves under the sink. This prevents water from flooding your workspace.
Step 2: Disassemble the Faucet
Use a screwdriver to remove the handle. If your top rated bathroom faucets have a decorative cap, carefully pry it off to access the screw underneath.
Step 3: Identify and Replace the Faulty Component
- If the washer is worn out, replace it.
- If the O-ring is cracked, install a new one.
- If the cartridge is faulty, swap it out for a compatible model.
Step 4: Clean the Faucet Components
Before reassembling the faucet, soak any corroded or mineral-covered parts in a cleaning solution to remove buildup.
Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet
Reattach the components, turn the water supply back on, and test the faucet to ensure there are no more leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I tell if my bathroom faucet is leaking due to high water pressure?
If your faucet leaks intermittently—particularly at night when overall water demand is lower—high water pressure could be the cause. Using a pressure gauge can help determine if your home’s water pressure exceeds 60 PSI.
2. How often should I replace faucet washers and O-rings?
Washers and O-rings should be inspected annually and replaced every 2-5 years, depending on how frequently the faucet is used and the quality of your water supply.
3. Are all replacement cartridges universal for bathroom faucets?
No, cartridges vary by faucet model and brand. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications or contact our customer support to ensure you get the correct replacement part of the top rated bathroom faucets.
4. Can a leaking faucet significantly impact my water bill?
Yes! A small faucet leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year, leading to a noticeable increase in your monthly water bill. Fixing leaks promptly helps conserve water and reduce costs.
