Hidden Costs of a Dripping Faucet: Water Waste and Home Damage
How a Small Leak Can Lead to Big Problems
A dripping faucet may seem like a minor annoyance, but over time, it can result in significant water waste and costly damage to your home. Many homeowners ignore slow leaks, assuming they’re harmless—but the reality is far from it. A single leaking faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, drive up utility bills, and even cause structural damage that requires expensive repairs.
How Much Water Does a Dripping Faucet Waste?
Even a slow leak can add up quickly:
One drip per second wastes about 5 gallons of water per day—that’s over 2,000 gallons per year!
A steady trickle can waste more than 100 gallons per day, leading to 36,000+ gallons of wasted water annually.
If you’re paying for water, that’s money quite literally going down the drain.
This unnecessary water loss not only impacts your wallet but also puts a strain on local water resources. If you're in Peoria, AZ, Glendale, Scottsdale, or surrounding areas, fixing leaks can help conserve water in our desert climate.
What Happens When a Dripping Faucet Goes Unfixed?
Water leaks don’t just waste resources—they can also cause serious home damage. One of the most common culprits? A worn-out cartridge in a tub or sink faucet. Over time, this small part can fail, leading to continuous leaks that can cause:
1. Bathtub Surface Damage
In a recent At Hand Heroes service call, we encountered a bathtub with a leaky faucet that had gone unchecked for months. The constant water exposure ruined the tub’s outer coating, requiring it to be reglazed. The water had slowly worn away the protective finish, making the surface rough, discolored, and unsightly.
2. Rusted and Damaged Drain Components
Continuous moisture buildup from a leaking faucet can corrode metal components, especially the drain. In this case, the homeowner also needed a drain replacement because the rusted metal had weakened, making it prone to leaks and failure. If left untreated, this type of issue can lead to water damage in the subfloor beneath the tub, creating an even bigger problem.
3. Mold and Mildew Growth
Moist environments are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which can lead to:
Unpleasant odors
Health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems
Costly remediation efforts
If you notice mold around your tub or under your sink, it could be a sign of hidden leaks causing moisture buildup.
How to Fix and Prevent Faucet Leaks
The good news? Leaky faucets are usually easy to fix if caught early. Here’s what can be done:
Replace the worn-out cartridge(s) in your faucet to stop the leak. Sometimes this is best left to a knowledged professional with the proper tools and experience to not damage pipes within the walls cause further issues.
Check for loose or worn washers and seals. You as a homeowner can try this with the correct wrench!
Ensure the faucet is properly tightened to prevent small drips from turning into major leaks.
Call us when you have a question or concern before the issue becomes a larger repair
Professional Repairs and Reglazing
If your bathtub, Shower or Sink's finish has been damaged by a prolonged leak, At Hand Heroes can help in reglazing. Our process restores your tub’s surface, making it look brand new without the cost of a full replacement. We also replace rusted drains, ensuring your tub functions properly and prevents future damage.
Don’t Ignore a Drip—Call At Hand Heroes Today!
A simple fix today can save you from major headaches and expenses down the road. Whether you need a quick faucet repair, bathtub reglazing, or drain replacement, At Hand Heroes is here to help.
Serving Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Cave Creek, Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, Anthem, and Goodyear, we provide expert home repair solutions that keep your home in top shape.
📞 Call us today at 480.800.7797 or request a service online!
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Your Home Deserves the Best Care
At Hand Heroes is committed to providing top-notch home repair services to keep your property in great condition. Don't let a simple leak turn into an expensive disaster—contact us today for professional, reliable service!
