Do I Need to Address Water Damage from a Faucet Leak?

You’ve been staring at the incessant drip of a leaky faucet for days (maybe even weeks). It may seem like a minor inconvenience which doesn’t require prompt action, but nothing can be further from the truth. If you fail to address the plumbing leak, that steady trickle of water coming out of your faucet can snowball into serious water damage that can result in health and safety issues requiring extensive and costly repairs down the road.

A Faucet Leak Can Create Health Hazards Associated with Mold

A leaky faucet creates a damp environment that promotes mold growth. In a matter of days, this mold can spread throughout your home or business, resulting in respiratory issues and other health hazards for anyone with mold allergies.

Often, mold growth from a leaky faucet won’t be detectable. It can occur in hard to spot areas such as beneath the sink, around your cabinets or behind walls. In these situations, your mold problem may persist for a while until you develop musty smells, or someone experiences adverse health symptoms.

Common Signs of Water Damage from a Faucet Leak

If you notice the following signs when you have a faucet leak, it may indicate your property has sustained water damage:

• Pooling water around the base of the faucet – You may see an accumulation of water near the base of the sink faucet or in the surrounding area of an outdoor faucet.
• Mold growth – The moisture from a faucet leak creates ideal conditions for mold growth which can spread throughout your home or business.
• Foundation and structural damage – If water from a leaky faucet seeps into the foundation, it can weaken the concrete and cause cracks or shifting in the structure of the building.
• Increased water bills – A constant drip out of your faucet can result in thousands of gallons of wasted water each year, and you may notice this in the form of higher utility bills.
• Clogged or frozen pipes – Leaks can cause mineral buildup in pipes or freezing in your plumbing system, leading to flooding from clogs or burst pipes.
• Soil erosion or pest infestations – Outdoor faucet leaks can wash away soil and create an ideal environment for pests to thrive.
• Visible water damage on ceilings, floors or walls – If a leak is allowed to persist for long enough, it can result in noticeable water stains, warping and other physical damage to your walls, floors and ceilings.

Common Causes of Leaky Faucets

There are many potential causes of leaky faucets. Some of the most common include:

• Damaged cartridge – Some sinks have cartridge-style faucets, which have separate handles for hot and cold water. The cartridge is the valve on each handle that regulates the flow of water into the faucet. When the cartridge becomes damaged, it can result in continuous dripping water.
• Water pressure – If your faucet only drips at specific times or when your faucet’s handle moves in a specific way, it may be a sign that the leak is being caused by a water pressure issue.
• Broken washers – Over time, the washer that rests against the valve seat may wear out due to friction, resulting in a leak. If the washer is installed incorrectly or the wrong size washer is used, it may also cause a leak.
• Deteriorated valve seat – If you have a leak from the spout of your faucet, it may be a sign that the problem is being caused by the valve seat connecting the faucet to the spout. This often occurs when sediment builds up and corrodes the valve seat.
• Malfunctioning O-ring – The O-ring is a small disc in the faucet that holds the handle in place. Over time, it may loosen or wear out, resulting in a leak.

Burke’s Restoration Can Help After Water Damage from a Leaky Faucet

If your home or business has sustained water damage from a leaky faucet, Burke’s Restoration can help return your property to its original condition. We’ve been the leading water damage restoration company in the Spokane Valley since 2012. Our team is fully licensed, bonded and insured, and we possess the advanced training necessary to perform the job properly.

We offer comprehensive water damage restoration services and can manage every aspect of the process, from the initial assessment of damage through any major repairs and reconstruction work to address structural issues with your property. We use the most advanced technology, and our meticulous water damage restoration process adheres to all industry best practices. In addition, we can perform all necessary mold remediation services to eliminate mold and prevent regrowth.

Our team is ready to assist 24/7 and will arrive promptly, ready to begin work. We have the expertise to address any water damage issue you may have, regardless of the size of the property or the scope of the damage.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Burke’s Restoration serves the Spokane Valley in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington.