We can stop the dripping and just about any other plumbing issue.

As every homeowner knows, a seemingly small issue can have complex and sometimes expensive causes. A musty smell in the corner of your kitchen might reveal significant water damage. A door suddenly not shutting all the way might reveal a problem with your foundation.

As a certified plumbing contractor in Suffolk County, NY, Burt’s Reliable has seen our share of apparently minor problems reveal something much more severe. However, most of the plumbing calls we answer are straightforward fixes — especially for our highly trained and experienced plumbers.

So, before you get frustrated about a plumbing problem you can’t solve yourself, it’s good to reach out to a professional to assess the situation. A prime example is one of the most common plumbing services we provide: repairing a leaking faucet.

There are several reasons why a faucet might be dripping incessantly in your home. Some you can solve yourself, while others require a plumber. Let’s go through some of the causes.

An issue with a disc cartridge valve

Cartridge-style faucet fixtures have two handles, each containing a cartridge with a disc. These parts control how much water passes through the faucet. If one becomes damaged, leading to drip, you can buy a replacement at almost any hardware store and install it yourself. We can also handle it for you!

Broken or wrong-sized washer

Your faucet’s washer presses against the valve plate. If corroded or damaged — or the wrong size for your fixture — the washer could cause a dripping faucet. As with the disc cartridge, you can typically change out the washer yourself. But you might find it easier to bring in a Burt’s Reliable plumber. We can handle this job quickly.

Old or damaged O-ring

The O-ring is a rubber piece that fits around a faucet’s valve stem. There are sometimes several O-rings on a single faucet. These pieces prevent water from leaking out of the base of the fixture. They can become worn, loose or torn over time. While you can replace one yourself, we recommend calling us because the process typically involves dismantling the fixture.

Valve seat wear

A faucet’s valve seat is part of the housing that connects your fixture to the lines that deliver water. If the seat is worn out and corroded, water will permeate the area and leak out. Depending on the age of your faucet, the valve seat either needs resurfacing or replacement. Either way, you should probably bring in a professional.

Water pressure

Is your drip only happening at certain times of the day? A standard cause for this type of leak is overly intense water pressure. Our plumbing team can look at your system’s pressure and make any necessary adjustments.

Damaged plumbing

A more significant issue that could lead to persistent leaks is a cracked, rusted, dented or otherwise damaged pipe. This might be a more extensive leak, requiring a licensed plumber’s attention.

Don’t spend all day tricking to solve the riddle of a dripping faucet. Let the plumbing team at Burt’s Reliable handle the issue for you. Drop us a line today.