Why That Dripping Faucet Could Cost You Thousands

Can a Dripping Faucet Cost You Thousands? Here’s What to Know

It’s a common problem. A dripping faucet. You know that it’s not supposed to do that, but you’ve lived with this problem for years, and it doesn’t seem that big of a deal.

The constant drip, drip, drip of a faucet can be a really irritating sound, but for most homeowners, they just shrug it off as something that needs to be fixed and put it on their “project” list.

The problem is that one little drip can actually be a sign that there is a bigger and more serious plumbing problem inside your walls.

With plumbing issues that have slowly worsened over time and Northeast Ohio’s drastic temperature changes between the summer and winter months, your home is especially vulnerable to problems that lead to water damage, mold growth, and all sorts of very costly repairs.

When a dripping faucet leads to water damage and other problems, it suddenly isn’t such a small or unimportant issue that can be put off or ignored without consequences.

How much water does it cost when you have a dripping faucet? In this post, we’ll give you some reasons why you should not ignore this problem and how it can cost you thousands of dollars in home repairs.

Let’s take a look at what’s really going on inside your faucets when they start to drip.

Why A Dripping Faucet Is A Problem

If your faucet is dripping, it means something inside the faucet isn’t sealing properly. It could be a problem with the washer, cartridge, valve seat, or high water pressure, but one thing is clear: it is worn on the inside.

If your faucet is dripping, it means that something inside the faucet failed at some point. Now that we have determined that an internal failure causes the dripping faucet, let’s look at the other types of failures it can lead to if you let it continue to drip.

The Drain on Your Wallet

Wasted Water

If your faucet is dripping, it will eventually waste thousands of gallons of water. This will raise your water bill and sewer bill for that month. Most homeowners will notice a spike in their water/sewer bill and immediately jump to the conclusion that it must be a leak somewhere in their yard, but they often overlook that the water bill is also higher for indoor water use.

Hidden Water Damage

If your faucet is dripping, you could also be facing water damage problems. The water that is leaking can travel along the pipes and leak into cabinets, floors, or drywall, thus weakening those surfaces.

Risk of Mold and Mildew Growth

Another risk of having a dripping faucet is the risk of mold and mildew growth. This can not only be expensive but also very difficult to fix. This is caused by allowing moisture to build up over an extended period of time.

Deterioration of Pipes and Corrosion

A constant dripping faucet will also cause corrosion inside your pipes and fixtures. This means that your pipes and fixtures are wearing down, which could lead to a bigger issue down the road, like pipes bursting or more leaks.

Dripping Faucets Are a Northeast Ohio Problem

Temperature changes that we face on a daily basis during different times of the year are a primary reason faucets drip in Northeast Ohio. Faucets, along with all types of plumbing materials, are constantly expanding and contracting when it comes to temperature changes.

However, this is not the only factor causing dripping faucets in Northeast Ohio homes. Many homes in Northeast Ohio have hard water, and with water continuously flowing through your faucets, there is bound to be mineral buildup, which is also causing some of these faucet issues.

The winter season is also another reason faucets drip in Northeast Ohio because of the changing pressure and cold temperatures that we experience during the winter.

Dripping Faucets Can End Up Costing Thousands

The number one reason homeowners try to ignore that dripping faucet is that, after all, it still works. They mean to take care of the problem, but when life gets busy, or you find yourself preoccupied with other issues, it’s easy to put it off for the next season.

Plus, it’s not like your faucet is gushing; it’s only a drip. The thing is, most plumbing problems do not stay localized. It is not long until something that started as a small leak will lead to some very large issues. Below are a few things that may happen when you have a dripping faucet:

• Water Damages Your Cabinets, Floors, or Drywall
• Increased Utility Bills (monthly)
• An Emergency Plumbing Service Call to Your Home (could happen if the problem is allowed to worsen)
• Very Expensive Home Repairs (could have been prevented had the problem been addressed in a timely manner)

In Northeast Ohio, especially in older homes such as those in Lakewood, Beachwood, Avon, and other surrounding communities, small issues with plumbing often turn into large and very expensive home repairs.

What to Do About Your Dripping Faucet

Now, if your home has a dripping faucet, here is what you can do about it.

If your home has a dripping faucet, see if the faucet stops dripping once the handle is shut completely. If this does not work, that is a sign that some parts on the inside are either worn out or damaged.

You can either attempt a DIY repair or contact a professional plumbing service to take care of your dripping faucet problem.

For homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio, Blind & Sons is just a phone call away. We can not only take care of a dripping faucet, but we can also inspect all of your plumbing and potential areas of water damage before it becomes a very expensive home repair.

Contact Blind & Sons for all your home and business plumbing needs, whether you live in Mentor, Chagrin Falls, Chippewa Lake, or a nearby community. Trust our professionals to fix that dripping faucet.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dripping Faucets

What causes a dripping faucet?

The most common causes of dripping faucets are worn washers, damaged cartridges, corroded valve seats, or high water pressure.

Can a dripping faucet cost thousands of dollars?

Yes. Wasted water, hidden water damage, mold and mildew growth, and pipe deterioration can add up to very expensive home repairs, costing thousands of dollars.

Is a dripping faucet an emergency?

While a dripping faucet may not be an immediate emergency, it is always recommended to address it promptly.

Does hard water cause dripping faucets?

Yes. Hard water can cause mineral buildup that damages the interior components of your faucets, leading to leaks.

Should you repair a dripping faucet yourself?

While some repairs can be done on your own, it is always better to let professionals handle them.