Outdoor water faucets play an important role in providing water for various outdoor activities, such as watering the garden, washing the car, or filling a pool. Over time, these faucets can develop leaks that not only waste water but also lead to increased water bills and potential damage to your property. If your water bill has gone up for seemingly no reason, it might be time for outdoor faucet repair in O’Fallon, MO. These are some of the common reasons why your faucets might be leaking.
Worn-out Washer
The washer inside the faucet’s valve can degrade over time from repeated use. This leads to leaks around the spigot handle. In order to fix this issue, you can simply replace the washer. Turn off the water supply to the faucet, remove the handle, and then replace the washer with a new one of the same size and type. An easy fix.
Loose Packing Nut
This piece is responsible for sealing the valve stem and preventing water from leaking around it. If the packing nut becomes loose your faucet might begin to leak. You can try gently tightening the packing nut using a wrench. Do not overtighten the nut though.
Corroded Valve Seat
This is the connection point between the faucet and the spout. Over time it can become corroded due to mineral deposits in the water, leading to leaks. You might need to replace the entire faucet assembly. A professional plumber can assist with this process if you do not feel confident in doing it yourself.
Improper Installation
If the outdoor faucet wasn’t installed correctly, it might not be sealed properly. This could be what’s causing the leaking around the connections.
Freezing Temperatures
Particularly in colder climates water left inside the faucet during freezing temperatures can expand and cause the faucet to crack. This commonly leads to leaks when the pipe thaws. To prevent freezing, disconnect your hoses before winter, install frost-proof faucets, and use insulated faucet covers.
High Water Pressure
When you have high pressure in your system, it can create leaks in faucets. This can cause them to drip even when fully closed. To help prevent this you can install a pressure regulator to make sure that the water pressure stays within a safe range and doesn’t damage your plumbing fixtures.
Aging Faucet
Like any other fixture, outdoor water faucets can break down as they age. This leads to leaks over time. If you have an older faucet, it could be a good idea to simply replace it with a newer one every once and a while.
Preventing and addressing outdoor water faucet leaks requires regular maintenance and speedy repairs. If you notice any signs of leaks, such as dripping water or moisture around the faucet, it’s important to take action to prevent further water waste and potential damage. In cases where leaks are persistent or extensive, you should contact a professional plumber who can diagnose the issue accurately and perform the necessary repairs or replacements to ensure your outdoor faucets function properly and efficiently all year round!
Contact Performance Plumbing today for all of your plumbing and maintenance needs!