That endless “drip, drip, drip” from your faucet is more than just an annoying sound—it’s a sign of wasted water and money. In a community like Lubbock, where water conservation is always important, every single drop counts. While a leaky faucet may seem like a minor issue, that seemingly insignificant drip can add up to hundreds, even thousands, of gallons of wasted water a year, significantly inflating your water bill.
At 1213 Plumbing, we know that many homeowners feel a sense of dread when a plumbing problem arises. The good news is that a simple faucet leak is often a problem you can tackle yourself. However, it’s just as important to know when to call a professional to avoid a bigger mess.
The Problem: Why Drips Are So Costly
A faucet leaking at just one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s enough to fill a standard backyard swimming pool. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer, gasket, or O-ring—a small, inexpensive part designed to create a watertight seal. Over time, these parts can become stiff, brittle, or corroded, allowing water to escape.
The cost isn’t just in your water bill. A persistent leak can also lead to rust, mineral buildup, and water damage to your sink or countertop, which can be much more expensive to repair than a simple gasket replacement.
DIY Troubleshooting: The First Steps to a Fix
Before you pick up the phone, you can try to fix the leak yourself if you’re comfortable with basic tools.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: This is the most important step. Find the two small shut-off valves under the sink (one for hot water and one for cold) and turn them clockwise until they are tight. If your sink doesn’t have these, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to your entire home.
- Disassemble the Faucet: Depending on your faucet type, you’ll need a screwdriver or a small Allen wrench to remove the handle and other components. It’s a good idea to take pictures as you go to remember the order of the parts.
- Inspect and Replace Worn Parts: Once you’ve reached the internal components, look for any washers, O-rings, or gaskets that look worn, cracked, or stiff. Take the old part with you to a hardware store to find an exact match.
- Clean Away Mineral Buildup: Use a soft brush and a vinegar solution to clean off any mineral deposits on the faucet’s internal parts. This will help new parts seat properly and create a better seal.
- Reassemble and Test: Put the faucet back together in the reverse order and slowly turn the water supply back on. Check for any leaks and enjoy your drip-free faucet!
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While a DIY fix is great for a simple drip, there are many times when you should call a professional plumber to avoid causing more damage.
- You Can’t Find the Source of the Leak: Sometimes, a leak is coming from a hard-to-reach pipe or a cracked fixture body. A plumber has the tools and expertise to find and fix the source quickly.
- The Leak is Getting Worse: If the leak is a constant stream or is coming from the base of the faucet, a hidden pipe, or the wall, you need professional help immediately.
- Your Faucet is Old or Unique: Older faucets with complex internal workings or newer, high-tech models often require specialized parts and knowledge that a professional can provide.
- You Don’t Have Individual Shut-Off Valves: Without a local shut-off valve, you risk shutting off the water to your entire home while you work, which is not ideal. A plumber can handle the repair safely and efficiently.
Get a Drip-Free Home with 1213 Plumbing
A leaky faucet is a problem that won’t go away on its own. Whether it’s a simple washer replacement or a more complex issue, the team at 1213 Plumbing has the experience and tools to get your faucet working like new. We’ll help you stop the drip, save money on your water bill, and protect your home from unnecessary water waste. Contact us today for reliable and professional service you can trust.