A dripping bathroom faucet can cause more than sleepless nights; it can cost money. Over time, the water lost due to a leaky faucet can add up to thousands of dollars in extra utility bills, as well as extra costs to repair a sink faucet and its components. If you’re currently experiencing the effects of a bathroom sink faucet leak, here are some things to check before calling our experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing:
- Check Your Handles and Stem – Most bathroom faucets have either two handles or one, both of which are meant to control the flow of hot and cold water. Over time, certain components beneath these handles can corrode or warp, leading to leaks. Regardless of whether you have a leak at the handle itself or a leak at the base of the stem, it’s time to pull the components out. Pry off the decorative caps, loosen each handle screw and remove the handles. Once you’ve done so, you should be able to see a rubber washer or washers. If these are misaligned or warped, seat them properly or replace them.
- Examine Your O-Rings – For faucets that use a compression technology, you may find worn O-rings. O-rings are used to seal off inside water from the outside of the stem, but when these become worn or corroded, they can allow water to seep through. O-rings are generally inexpensive and are available in standard sizes, so before calling a professional, try replacing them.
- Inspect Your Connections – Underneath your bathroom faucet, you will find hoses that lead to your water pipes. These connections can sometimes become loose or cracked, leading to leaks. If you’ve found water leaking underneath your bathroom faucet, the cause will generally be connection related. Examine each connection with the water turned on to spot any leaking water and adjust connections as needed.
If these steps have not been able to solve your bathroom sink leak issues, know that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is your source for plumbing repair. We offer expertly-trained technicians who understand plumbing concerns inside and out, and we’ll be happy to assist you today. Please give us a call if you have any plumbing repair problems or questions, as we’ll be glad to help.