Why You Should Fix That Drippy Faucet Now – And How It Saves You Money

Do you have a drippy faucet in your home that you’ve been meaning to fix but haven’t gotten around to yet? It might seem like a minor annoyance that can wait, but over time, that steady drip can lead to more than just irritation. Ignoring a leaky faucet could cost you hundreds of dollars a year in wasted water, and what’s worse, it could be a sign of bigger plumbing issues lurking beneath the surface.

At Advanced Plumbing in Des Moines, Iowa, we believe that every homeowner deserves a fully functioning, efficient plumbing system. In this blog, we’ll explain why a drippy faucet should be repaired sooner rather than later, and how doing so can save you money, protect your home, and contribute to water conservation efforts.

The Cost of Ignoring a Drippy Faucet

One of the most compelling reasons to repair a leaking faucet is the financial impact it can have on your water bill. While a few drops of water might not seem like a big deal, it adds up quickly.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually. For context, that’s enough water to take more than 180 showers. At an average cost of $0.002 per gallon, those drips could cost you around $6 per month – adding up to $72 per year – for just one leaky faucet. If you have multiple drips throughout your home, this could be much higher.

In addition to the direct cost of wasted water, ignoring leaks can lead to more significant problems. Leaks can corrode your pipes, damage fixtures, and result in mold growth. These issues can turn a small drip into a costly repair bill.

Understanding the Common Causes of Faucet Leaks

Faucet leaks can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause can help you decide whether you can repair it yourself or need professional help. Here are some of the most common reasons faucets drip:

Worn-Out Washers: Inside the faucet handle, there are washers that create a seal to stop the water flow when the faucet is turned off. Over time, these washers can wear out, especially if the faucet is used frequently. As they degrade, they no longer create a tight seal, leading to drips.
Damaged O-Rings: O-rings are small rubber rings that prevent leaks around the spout. Just like washers, they can become worn or damaged over time, leading to leaks around the base of the faucet.
Corroded Valve Seats: The valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can cause corrosion in the valve seat, leading to leaks around the spout area.
Loose Parts: Sometimes, a drippy faucet is caused by something as simple as a loose or worn-out part. This could be the aerator (the small screen at the tip of the faucet), the spout itself, or another component that has loosened over time.
Water Pressure Issues: In some cases, a leaky faucet might be caused by fluctuating water pressure. If the water pressure in your home is too high, it can put stress on your faucet and lead to leaks.

Each of these causes can usually be repaired relatively easily by a plumber. However, delaying the fix can cause more damage to the faucet or the underlying plumbing, increasing the overall cost of repairs.

How Fixing Leaky Faucets Saves Money in the Long Run

Fixing a leaky faucet is a simple step that can pay off in several ways over time. Here’s how:

Reduced Water Bills: As mentioned earlier, even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water annually. Fixing a single faucet could lead to significant savings on your water bill.
Avoid Costly Repairs: When left unaddressed, a leaky faucet can cause damage to the sink, counter, or cabinets around it. Worse, the leak can seep into walls or floors, causing rot, mold, and structural damage. Repairing or replacing damaged components can be far more expensive than fixing a simple leak.
Extended Lifespan of Plumbing Fixtures: By keeping your faucets in good condition, you can extend their lifespan and avoid the need for replacements. Worn-out components that lead to leaks can place undue stress on the rest of the faucet, leading to more significant failures.
Increased Home Value: While fixing a drippy faucet might not seem like a big value boost, maintaining your plumbing in good condition is essential for overall home maintenance. Homes with well-maintained plumbing are more attractive to buyers, should you ever decide to sell.
Energy Savings: If your hot water faucet is leaking, you’re not just wasting water – you’re wasting energy. Your water heater is working harder than it needs to in order to keep that water hot, leading to higher energy bills. Fixing a leak can reduce energy consumption and save you money on heating costs.

Environmental Impact: Water Conservation Benefits

Water is a precious resource, and in many parts of the country, it’s becoming increasingly scarce. Even in Iowa, where water availability is relatively stable, conserving water is still a priority. Fixing drippy faucets is a small but impactful way to contribute to broader water conservation efforts.

The EPA estimates that household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide. By fixing leaks, homeowners can collectively save a significant amount of water, reducing the strain on municipal water systems and preserving water resources for future generations.

Additionally, by saving water, you’re also helping reduce the energy needed to treat and pump water into homes. This contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making it a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

DIY vs. Professional Repair: When to Call a Plumber

If you’re handy around the house, you might be tempted to fix a drippy faucet yourself. For some leaks, this can be a straightforward project. However, if you’re not comfortable working with plumbing or if the issue is more complicated than a simple worn-out washer or O-ring, it’s best to call in a professional plumber.

Attempting to fix a faucet without the right tools or knowledge can sometimes lead to more damage, which will cost more to repair in the long run. A licensed plumber from Advanced Plumbing in Des Moines can quickly assess the situation, identify the cause of the leak, and make the necessary repairs to ensure your faucet functions properly and efficiently.

Conclusion: Stop the Drip and Save

A drippy faucet may seem like a minor issue, but when left unchecked, it can lead to significant costs in wasted water, energy, and even potential damage to your home. Taking the time to fix the problem not only saves you money but also contributes to a more sustainable future by reducing water waste and energy consumption.

At Advanced Plumbing in Des Moines, Iowa, we’re here to help you with all your plumbing needs – from fixing a simple faucet to tackling more complex repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let’s stop that drip together.