A dripping faucet is one of the most annoying things you can experience. It’s not just about the bothersome dripping sound, it’s also the fact that you are wasting water and money as well.
Usually, you’ll find that your faucet dripping after turning the water off because of a loose washer in the spout assembly. You can fix this problem by tightening the washer with an adjustable wrench or pliers. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to explore other reasons why it may be happening, and subsequently fix it.
Why is my Faucet Dripping After the Water is Turned Off?
There are actually a couple of different reasons as to why your faucet may be dripping. Most common is a leaking faucet handle, but it could also be due to water pressure, a faulty washer, or a damaged cartridge. Here are the most common causes of a dripping faucet.
Broken or Leaking Faucet Handle
The most common reason your faucet is dripping is most likely because the handle has become loose or broken. Replacing this part can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s not impossible. If you’re handy with a screwdriver and know how to use one, you can probably replace your faucet handle yourself.
If you don’t have the tools or experience required to replace the faucet handle yourself, try calling an expert plumber in your area. They can take care of this problem for you quickly and efficiently.
Water Pressure
Another common reason for dripping faucets is low water pressure. If your water pressure is low, it can cause the water to flow slowly out of the faucet and cause drips when you turn it off.
You can check your water pressure by turning on a faucet in another part of the house, or by using a water pressure tester. If you find that the water flows slowly or does not come out at all, then you may have a leaky hose or broken pipe near your valve box.
Faulty Washer
Your dripping faucet could also be caused by a faulty washer. This is the part that seals water from leaking out of the tap. If you have ever tried to turn on your tap and water came out, but didn’t make enough pressure to run through the lines, then you may have an issue with your washer.
There are two types of washers in most faucets: a metal or plastic washer and a rubber gasket washer. The metal washers are cheaper and can be replaced by anyone with some basic hand tools, but they can wear out over time and become loose or break. The rubber gasket washers can also be replaced by anyone with basic tools, but they will last much longer than the metal ones.
Valve Seat
A leaky valve seat could also be the cause of your dripping faucet. This occurs when the seat on the faucet is worn down or damaged by corrosion, or it just needs to be replaced. There are two types of valve seats, cartridge and disc.
Cartridge seats are attached to the faucet stem using nuts and bolts, while disc valve seats have a flanged base that rotates on an external shaft, like a rotary valve. If the inside of these valves has been damaged by corrosion, you may experience dripping from your faucet as it tries to seal itself against this damage.
Damaged Cartridge
You want to make sure that the cartridge is properly seated. If it is broken or damaged, you will see water coming out of the faucet and dripping down the side of the sink. The cartridge can be removed by unscrewing it from under the sink. You may want to use a set of pliers to remove it if it’s stuck on tight. Once you have removed it, wipe down any remaining dirt with a paper towel.
If there is still no relief from your dripping faucet after trying these steps, then it’s time to replace your cartridge with a new one.
A Faulty O-Ring
Water faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures can become worn over time and require maintenance. This can include replacing O-rings.
If your faucet is dripping after you turn off the water, it might be because you need to replace an O-ring in the fixture. This is a common problem for many homeowners.
The O-rings help keep the water flowing smoothly through the system. They also prevent leaks when installing new fixtures or when replacing old ones. If there is a leak in your system, these seals are what will stop it from leaking all over again.
How to Know What Type of Faucet Is Installed In Your Bathroom
One of the easiest ways to determine what kind of faucet you have is by checking its user manual. However, the most common faucets in most households include ball faucets, cartridge faucets, compression washer faucets, and disc faucets.
Ball Faucet
A ball faucet looks like an upside-down triangle with rounded sides. The water spout is usually connected to an area where you can place your hand so that you can easily turn the handle without having to hold on to it while doing so.
This is especially important if you have arthritis in your hands or if you simply don’t like holding onto something while using a kitchen utensil.
Disc Faucet
Disc faucets are built with a disc that rotates to control the water flow. Disc faucets offer the advantage of being able to turn off the water at any time and even change the angle of your water flow. They come in a variety of styles and colors, so they can be easily coordinated with other plumbing fixtures in your home.
The disadvantage of disc faucets is that they do not have an adjustable spout, so their placement is limited.
Cartridge Faucet
A cartridge is a small removable piece of metal that contains the mechanism for your water source. The cartridge can be replaced, or you may be able to remove it completely to access the internal parts for some repairs. This can be a good choice for renters who don’t want to deal with replacing cartridges every few years.
Compression Washer Faucet
This type of faucet is similar to the compression nut, but it’s usually a little larger in size and has a washer on the inside of the nut. The washer helps to prevent leaks and makes it easier to tighten or loosen the faucet in tight spaces.