Why Does the Faucet Leak After Replacing Cartridge?
- By: Amer ZaghloulehLeaksComment: 0
There could be several reasons why your faucet is leaking after you’ve recently replaced the cartridge. The cause ultimately depends on the age of your faucet, the type of cartridge it has, and the water quality. In many cases, the reason that a cartridge-style faucet leaks has nothing to do at all with the cartridge itself.
Water Quality
Believe it or not, water is one of the corrosive liquids around. The water that runs through the brass body of a faucet is filled with calcium and other minerals, which will start to wear away at the small defects in the brass from the original casting process. Small bumps and soft areas in the brass are susceptible to being removed by the water, forming rivulets on the surface.
These rivulets are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye, as they blend in with the coatings that are left on the surface. Oftentimes, to fix a leaky faucet, you or your plumber may have to buff out the inside of the cartridge cylinder to reveal a dark line that allows you to be able to detect these rivulets using a flashlight.
Damaged Internal Components
Other possible causes of a leaky cartridge faucet include damaged components. There is typically a ceramic, brass, or rubber seat located at the base of the cartridge opening. The purpose of this seat is to form a watertight seal. Whether these components become damaged from the movement of the cartridge constantly opening and closing or the seat no longer fits properly in the hole due to age, the faucet will leak.
The O-ring that your cartridge is resting against may also have tiny cracks or abnormalities that are causing a leaky or dripping cartridge faucet. When you need to replace certain components of a faucet, you will most often need to replace all of the interior components. If you only replaced the cartridge and you still have a leak, there’s likely an issue with a different internal part.
Leaky Faucet Repair
The Environment Protection Agency, or EPA, states that the average family wastes approximately 180 gallons of water each year all because of household leaks. A leaky cartridge faucet isn’t just an annoyance – over time, a simple leak will increase your water bill and could do significant water damage to your property. Additionally, broken or faulty handles on your faucets are irritants that should not be ignored.
Call Anytime Plumbing!
Have a leaky faucet and can’t seem to figure out the cause? That’s no problem for the experts at Anytime Plumbing! If you can’t solve the faucet leak on your own, don’t postpone the repair. Even something as simple as a faucet leak can lead to more expensive water damage if left unchecked.
Fortunately, one of our plumbing professionals can assess the problem and provide you with the necessary solution. Faucets can fail for many reasons – whether it’s worn-out seals, valve seats, O-rings or washers. No matter the type of faucet you have or where the issue is occurring, we have the necessary experience and skill to fix it! At Anytime Plumber, we offer a wide range of services including 24/7 emergency services. You can call us whenever you need us, and one of our experts will be at your home as quickly as possible!
Save money on your water bill and avoid considerable water damage by calling Anytime Plumbing today at (831) 431-6593 to schedule your professional faucet repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your faucet continues to drip after installing a new cartridge, it could be due to improper seating, worn-out washers, or mineral buildup in the valve. Make sure the cartridge is aligned correctly, the O-rings are in good condition, and the faucet components are clean before reassembling.
A properly installed faucet cartridge can typically last several years before showing signs of wear or leaking. The exact lifespan depends on water quality, frequency of use, and maintenance. Regular cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals can help extend its life and prevent early leaks.
To prevent leaks after replacing a faucet cartridge, start by making sure the new cartridge matches your faucet model exactly. Before installing, clean the faucet body and remove any mineral buildup or old debris that could interfere with the seal. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease to the O-rings and moving parts to help them seat properly. When tightening the cartridge, avoid over-tightening since this can damage seals and cause leaks. Finally, turn the water back on slowly and check for any leaks around the cartridge before fully restoring water pressure. Regular maintenance, like cleaning aerators and checking for loose handles, can also keep your faucet working properly for a longer time.
A damaged or rough faucet seat can prevent the cartridge from sealing properly. When this surface is worn, water may continue to pass through the valve, leading to persistent dripping despite cartridge replacement.
