Troubleshooting Leaky Sinks
At Dutton Plumbing, we run into all kinds of
plumbing problems. Many of these involve major water leaks that could have been prevented
if a leaky sink had been repaired in time. In order to do this and keep
your water situation under control, you need to know the most common sources
of leaks, and understand a few simple troubleshooting basics:
What Causes a Leaky Sink?
- Loose or Worn O-Rings: These small discs are attached to the stem screw inside the handles of the faucet. If the O-ring is loose or worn, then water can seep past the ring and cause a steady leak.
- Corrosion on the Valve Seat: The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout. As water builds up in this area, the seat can corrode, opening up the way for water to leak around the spout.
- Aging Washers: Maybe one of the most common causes of leaks, this is also one of the easiest when it comes to troubleshooting. Every time the faucet is used, the washer gets rubbed against the valve seat. This eventually leads to wear that creates a passage for drips of water. Replacing a washer, however, is quick and simple.
- Mistakes Made During Installation: Sadly, this situation does happen from time to time. If the washer, for example, is not installed correctly, the sink can quickly be exposed to a constant and expensive leak.
What to Do?
Most of the time, you can troubleshoot a leaky sink without calling a plumber in Simi Valley Region. These basic repairs mainly involve removing a worn or damaged part and then making a replacement. A small collection of wrenches and screwdrivers should be sufficient for the task. When you are confronted by major leaks or your troubleshooting efforts turn up a problem that seems a bit hard to handle, contact us at Dutton Plumbing.
