That steady drip…drip…drip from your faucet might seem like a small annoyance. However, it can waste thousands of litres of water each year and quietly increase your utility bill. Many homeowners across Durham Region assume a leaky faucet is simply a worn-out washer. In reality, there are several other hidden causes that could be to blame.
Here are four surprising culprits behind the leaky faucets in your Durham home:
1. A worn or damaged cartridge.
In many modern single-handle faucets, the cartridge controls both water flow and temperature. Inside the cartridge are small seals and components that open and close as you move the handle. Over time, especially in areas with moderate to hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside the faucet body. This buildup can wear down the cartridge seals, preventing them from closing completely. Even a tiny gap allows water to pass through, causing that persistent drip.
Cartridge replacements require proper sizing and careful installation. Forcing the wrong part into place can cause further damage.
2. High water pressure in your home.
Most homeowners don’t realize that excessive water pressure can lead to faucet leaks. Ideally, residential water pressure should stay below 550 kPa (80 psi). If pressure is too high, it puts constant strain on faucet components, valves and seals. You may notice dripping more often at night when municipal pressure fluctuates and demand is lower. Over time, this stress can cause internal parts to weaken or crack.
Installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can protect not just your faucets, but your entire plumbing system.
3. Corrosion on the valve seat.
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and helps create a watertight seal. However, sediment and mineral buildup can corrode this connection over time. When corrosion forms, small gaps develop where water can seep through, even when the faucet is turned off. If left unaddressed, this corrosion can worsen and lead to more extensive faucet damage.
Routine plumbing maintenance can help catch early signs of deterioration before a simple fix turns into a full faucet replacement.
4. Loose or worn O-rings.
O-rings are small rubber rings that seal connections within the faucet, particularly around the handle. Because they are flexible components, they naturally wear out over time. When an O-ring loosens or cracks, water can leak from around the handle base instead of the spout. Homeowners often mistake this for condensation, but it’s usually a sign that the internal seal has failed.
While replacing an O-ring can be straightforward, it’s important to shut off the water supply and use the correct size to avoid further leaks.
Call 2 Bro’s Plumbing for help!
A faucet dripping once per second can waste over 11,000 litres of water per year. That’s water and money going down the drain! Ignoring small leaks can lead to increased water bills; cabinet and countertop damage; mould and mildew growth; and premature plumbing component failure.
At 2 Bro’s Plumbing, we believe in doing the job right the first time. Our trained technicians provide fair estimates before any work begins and offer dependable 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout Durham Region. To learn all about our expert faucet repairs and installations, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790, email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca or fill out the form on our Contact page!
