When a faucet has to be excessively tightened down each time you shut it off in order to keep it from dripping, or when the faucet develops a drip that won’t stop no matter how hard you tighten it, then prompt repairs are recommended to keep things from getting worse.
Most leaks can be repaired by taking the faucet apart and then installing a new washer at the end of the spindle, as well as replacing the packing or O-ring that goes around the outside of the stem in some cases. However, if you wait too long and keep trying to tighten the faucet down harder in order to stop the drip, then chances are that the valve seat will be damaged.
The continual twisting of this washer as it presses down against the metal seat coupled with the pressure exerted on it when the stem forces it into place all contribute to the rapid wearing of the washer. If this wear continues long enough, the metal end of the stem, and sometimes the metal screw that holds the washer in place, will start to grate against the metal valve seat, scratching and defacing it so that even a brand new rubber washer will no longer form a watertight seal when fully closed.
Fortunately, on most faucets the metal valve seats and washers are replaceable – the old ones can be unscrewed and new ones installed in their place. Contact us today to learn about Priority Plumbing’s assessment solutions and how to increase the life span of your plumbing fixtures. 647-427-8624