If you’re not worried about a little drip, think about the cost of not fixing it. A leaky faucet wastes as much as 10,000 gallons of water per year, which can increase your water bill by 10%. Not to mention that a simple leak can cause major damage to your home if left untreated. Understand the signs of a leaky faucet so you can stop it quickly with minimal (if any) damage to your home.

Signs of a Leaky Faucet

Some signs of leaks and water damage include:

• Mold or mildew in or around the faucet or under the sink
• Damage to paint, walls or flooring
• Accumulated water in and around your kitchen or bathroom sink
• The odor of mold, mildew or accumulated water

How to Stop a Leaky Faucet

If your faucet keeps dripping, or you see signs of a leaky faucet, you may have problems with a:

• Worn out O-ring that seals the faucet to the countertop
• Corroded valve seal that connects the spout and faucet
• Worn out or improper installation of a washer

To fix these problems, simply identify the source of the leak, go to the nearest hardware store, buy the replacement part and begin the repair. Often times these repairs can take a few hours for a do-it-yourselfer if you factor in a short drive time.

When to Call a Professional

• Broken plumbing is a serious issue and may require the expertise of a professional to determine the exact cause of the leak and stop it. While you can replace the other parts yourself, broken plumbing can cost you hours of frustration, time, and money.
• Signs of mold or mildew. Mold is serious. Even if you don’t see the mold, you may notice bubbles in the paint or the ceiling. In this case, you’ll need to consider calling a professional to check your plumbing for leaks.
• Your time is important to you. Calculate the cost of your time in addition to the replacement parts. It may be cheaper for you to hire the job out.

If you suspect you have a leaky faucet in your kitchen or bathroom, call the professionals at Scottsdale Plumbing at 480-945-9583.