A steady faucet drip may seem harmless, but even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water a year and often points to worn or damaged internal components.
In most cases, a dripping faucet is caused by a worn washer, damaged O-ring, corroded valve seat, or excessive water pressure. These problems develop gradually through normal use and mineral buildup, and they rarely resolve on their own.
If you’d like to understand what’s happening before calling a plumber, here’s what typically causes the problem and when it’s time for professional help.
Common Causes of a Faucet Dripping Water
1. Worn or Improperly Installed Washer
Each time you turn off a compression-style faucet, a small rubber washer presses against the valve seat to stop water flow. Over time, that friction wears down the washer or causes it to loosen. If the washer wasn’t the correct size or was installed incorrectly, a drip can appear almost immediately.
2. Damaged O-Ring
In cartridge or single-handle faucets, a small rubber O-ring seals the area around the handle stem. When the O-ring cracks, dries out, or slips out of place, water leaks near the handle.
3. Corroded Valve Seat
Hard water minerals or sediment can corrode the metal valve seat that connects the spout to the faucet. Once corrosion sets in, water escapes around the spout even when the handle is off.
4. Worn Seals or Internal Components
Even non-compression faucets rely on rubber or silicone seals to keep water contained. When these seals weaken or mineral buildup prevents a tight fit, a slow drip develops that worsens over time.
5. High Water Pressure
If your faucet drips only at certain times of day, high water pressure may be forcing water past the internal seals. A licensed plumber can test your home’s pressure and make simple adjustments to prevent leaks and protect other fixtures.
Can I Fix It Myself?
Some faucet leaks can be handled as quick DIY repairs if you’re comfortable with basic plumbing tools. Turning off the water supply, inspecting washers and O-rings, and cleaning sediment buildup are simple steps most homeowners can try.
However, if the dripping continues, or if the faucet is older and parts are corroded or difficult to replace, professional service is the most efficient way to stop the leak for good.
Why Prompt Repair Matters
Even a slow drip from a single faucet (about one drop per second) can add up to over 3,000 gallons of wasted water annually. This claim is backed up by the EPA. Beyond the environmental impact, leaks contribute to mineral buildup, corrosion, and higher water bills. This means repairing a seemingly minor drip early can prevent larger issues later, ensuring your plumbing system continues to run efficiently.
Professional Faucet Repair in Peoria, IL
If your faucet keeps dripping despite your best efforts, Arnold & Sons Plumbing can help. For more than 30 years, our family-owned business has provided trusted plumbing service throughout Central Illinois.
Homeowners choose us because we offer:
- Licensed, background-checked plumbers
- Transparent, upfront pricing
- 24-hour scheduling for your convenience
- A reputation built on honesty and community involvement
Whether it’s a worn washer, pressure imbalance, or full faucet replacement, we’ll identify the problem quickly and repair it correctly the first time. Contact Arnold & Sons Plumbing today for dependable bathroom faucet repair and kitchen faucet repair.
Dripping Faucet FAQ
Why does my faucet drip even when it’s turned off?
Worn washers or corroded valve seats allow water to leak through even when the handle is closed.
Can high water pressure make a faucet drip?
Yes. Excessive water pressure can push water past seals and washers, causing intermittent leaks.
How do I know when to replace my faucet instead of repairing it?
If your faucet is more than 10-15 years old or has recurring leaks, replacement is often the most cost-effective solution.
