Key Takeaways
- A leaky faucet is more than an inconvenience — it wastes water and can lead to corrosion and water damage.
- A water leak in your home will increase your water bill.
- Thermo Direct plumbers are available now to provide emergency plumbing for leaking faucets.
Is a Leaky Faucet Really a Big Deal?
You may be able to tune out the sound of a dripping faucet, but should you? A leaking faucet is not only an annoyance, it’s also a waste of water, which will cost you money in the long run. It’s also a sign there’s a problem with your faucet, which will worsen if you don’t fix it.
If you’re in the Raleigh, NC area, call Thermo Direct when you need help with a faucet leak. A plumber near you is standing by now to provide a plumbing inspection or repair your leak.
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that leaky faucets dripping at one drip per second waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year, or up to 180 showers’ worth. The Department of Energy notes that leaky plumbing wastes enough water to do a load of laundry and run the dishwasher every day.
Can a leaky faucet increase your water bill?
Yes, a leaky faucet will increase your water usage. Even if it’s a slow drip, this will lead to an increased water bill. Leak detection and repair are the first steps in water conservation, saving you money and reducing waste.
What Causes a Faucet To Leak?
Knowing the causes of leaky faucets will help you identify the problem and fix it faster.
Common issues behind faucet drips
Some of the most common reasons faucets start leaking include:
- Worn-out washers or O-rings
- Corroded valve seats
- Loose or broken parts
- Water pressure problems
Does hard water in Raleigh make it worse?
Raleigh has high-quality, relatively soft water, so it’s unlikely that hard water affects your faucets. That said, any water left dripping for a long time will deposit corrosive minerals inside the faucet parts, eventually corroding the metal enough for water to seep through.
Can I Fix a Leaky Faucet Myself, or Should I Call a Pro?
In some situations, fixing your leaking faucet makes sense, but it is usually better to leave the job to a pro.
When DIY works
A DIY dripping faucet fix is fine when it just needs some tightening or a simple washer replacement. These types of jobs can be done using tools most people have around the house, even if you have limited plumbing knowledge.
When to call a plumber
Calling a plumber is a good idea if you notice:
- Leaks at the base or under the sink
- Persistent dripping after attempted fixes
- Signs of mold, water damage, or corrosion
If you’ve noticed any of these problems, or if you’re just not sure how to fix a leaky faucet, call Thermo Direct in Raleigh, and we’ll take care of it for you.
What Can Happen If You Ignore a Leaky Faucet?
It’s tempting to ignore a leaking faucet, but there are consequences to doing so, like:
Mold and mildew growth
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, making a leaking faucet the perfect place for them to grow. Mold spores and mildew smell bad, cause health hazards, and damage building materials. If you notice any fuzzy or slimy black, green, or gray spots, or a musty odor, it’s important to thoroughly clean the area and fix the leak ASAP.
Structural damage
Constant moisture anywhere in your home will eventually cause structural problems, weakening materials, and destroying walls, flooring, counters, and more. The presence of water will also cause cosmetic damage, such as stains, which will cost plenty in time and money to fix.
Higher water bills and penalties
Water leaks waste significant amounts of water that you have to pay for, costing some households hundreds of dollars more per year on their bills. In extreme cases, local councils may impose water leak fines, especially if known leaks continue for a long time.
Faucet Repair Services in Raleigh, NC
If you want to schedule faucet repair in Raleigh, NC, call Thermo Direct. We offer fast service you can trust.
Why choose us for your plumbing repair?
Thermo Direct is a family-owned company based in Raleigh. We’re locals who care about our community. We provide consistently high-quality work with transparent pricing, helpful coupons, financing options, and fast service.
Our plumbers are fully licensed and insured, and you can trust that they’ll treat your home with expert care and fix all your plumbing issues properly. Satisfaction guaranteed. Just check out our customer reviews.
Our Faucet Repair Service Area in Raleigh, NC
We proudly serve the entire Raleigh metro, including the following zip codes:
- 27601
- 27603
- 27604
- 27606
- 27607
- 27608
- 27609
- 27610
- 27612
- 27613
- 27614
- 27615
- 27616
Stop the Drip — Schedule Faucet Repair Today
Don’t wait until your dripping faucet becomes a serious problem. Contact Thermo Direct to schedule a plumbing service call now. We’ll be there quickly to address the leak, so you can get back to living life without worrying about structural damage and high water bills.
Whether you need to prepare your plumbing for summer or want to replace a sewer line, our qualified plumbers are here to help with comprehensive care you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a leaky faucet myself, or should I call a plumber?
In most cases, it’s smarter to call a plumber. A professional plumber will have the expertise and the tools to do the job properly, and because they know what they’re doing, they’ll probably get the job done faster than you could.
What tools do I need to fix a leaking kitchen or bathroom faucet?
For simple fixes, you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pliers, replacement parts, an Allen key, and/or a basin wrench. If you don’t have the proper tools or don’t know how to fix the faucet, call Thermo Direct for assistance.
Can a small faucet leak cause water damage?
Yes, even the smallest leak causes water damage over time. Water may accumulate around the sink or bathtub, encourage mold and mildew growth, and cause stains and other cosmetic damage.
