What Are the Causes of Dripping Faucets?
Most dripping faucets can be easily fixed if the problem is caught quickly. As the drip continues, it grows until it becomes a small, steady stream of water. The continuous flow of water does more damage and the problem gets worse. Does this Spark an idea?
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Washers, Gaskets and O-rings
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The main cause of small leaks is defective washers, gaskets and o-rings. As the plastic or rubber gets old, it becomes rigid and sometimes cracks. As it becomes inflexible, small leaks and drips appear. A dripping faucet is easy to repair at this point -- simply remove and replace the leaky washer.
Mineral Buildup
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In areas with hard water, minerals deposit on the internal parts of the faucet and prevent the seals and valves from working properly. If you are constantly cleaning away mineral deposits in the shower and bath, expect them to form inside the faucet as well. These deposits can be cleaned away by taking the faucet apart and scrubbing the parts with vinegar to remove mineral deposits. Replace washers and o-rings at the same time, if they show signs of wear.
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Corrosion
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Corrosion is a slow, natural process, but it is usually not a problem when water continues to go where it should. Small drips allow corrosion inside the faucet, creating a larger leak. When leaks have reached this stage, the corroded parts will need to be replaced. These leaks can usually be prevented by fixing small leaks immediately.
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References
Resources
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