You’ve just settled in for a restful night, only to realize there’s a persistent sound coming from your bathroom. As you toss and turn, you wonder, “Why is my bathtub faucet dripping?”

Your trusted plumber in Thornton, PA, has answers. MVP Plumbing outlines the most common reasons why a bathtub faucet may be dripping below. 

Common Causes of Dripping Bathtub Faucets

Turning off your faucets while brushing your teeth or using less water during baths and showers helps save money and preserve freshwater supplies. But it’s hard to do your part with a leaky faucet.

“So, why is my bathtub faucet dripping?” We get this question a lot, and we’re here to provide some answers.  

The Washers Are Past Their Prime

Despite their simple construction, faucet spouts are prone to corrosion after years of use, especially around the O-rings or washers where they connect to the plumbing. Worn-out washers allow water to escape from the adjoining components, causing a steady, dripping leak or a continuous water stream.

Your Faucet Cartridge Is Outdated

If you have a faucet with a lever-like handle, you also have a cartridge between the swiveling handle and spigot. This manages the water pressure and temperature according to how you maneuver it. When you turn the handle to the left, you get hot water. If you completely lower the lever, you slow the water down. 

A faulty cartridge may develop cracks that allow extra water to seep through around the faucet handle, which may be the reason behind the ever-flowing stream of water.  

You Need a New Valve Seat

The valve seat cradles the tap handle and faucet seal. This metal piece can rust or become corroded, as many metals do. A rusty or corroded valve seat will allow water to bypass the seal, resulting in a prolonged leak even after you turn the faucet off. 

The Faucet Handle Has Loosened

“Why is my bathtub faucet dripping? Any other possible explanations?” 

Try turning your faucet handle, and pay attention to its snugness. You should feel it securely connected to the rest of the fixture. A loose faucet handle affects the cartridge’s function. Water seeps out around the handle and drips into your bathtub’s basin, causing that annoying sound you can’t ignore at night.  

The O-Ring Needs a Replacement

The faucet spigot itself contains vital components, like the adapter. The O-ring occupies a snug position at the front of the adapter. This pliable seal manages water flow as it moves through the faucet. 

Since most manufacturers make O-rings from plastic or rubber, these parts are somewhat delicate. They decay faster than other components, allowing water to slip past their airtight seals. A plumber can easily and inexpensively fix or replace damaged O-rings, but it’s best to catch the issue early before it becomes a larger problem.

You Have Excessive Mineral Buildup

Freshwater supplies in Thornton, Pennsylvania, can contain up to 330 milligrams of minerals per liter. That constitution qualifies as hard water, which can wreak havoc on your indoor plumbing system. 

The minerals shorten the service lives of various components, taking up space inside the faucet and pipes. When you turn off the faucet, you may have some water left that needs to be drained. It’ll trickle from the faucet gradually.  

How To Handle Bathtub Faucet Leaks in Thornton, Pennsylvania

Leaky faucets aren’t just annoying. They’re also expensive and wasteful. You’ll quickly notice the steep increase in your water bills. What can you do about it?

A plumber can usually fix faucets installed within the last five to 10 years. They’ll adjust or replace the above-listed parts, and your bathtub should be as good as new. However, old faucets are a different story. 

You should consider a faucet replacement service in Thornton, Pennsylvania, if you:

  • Have already scheduled repair services numerous times
  • Haven’t replaced your faucet within the past 10 to 15 years
  • Plan on upgrading your bathroom hardware anyway
  • Need something more advanced for your hygiene routine

A shiny new faucet will come in handy and likely eradicate all leak issues long-term. 

Tell MVP Plumbing About Your Bathroom Leaks for Plumbing Services in Thornton, Pennsylvania

“Why is my bathtub faucet dripping? MVP Plumbing’s crew can find the reason.”

Our plumbers diagnose and resolve plumbing issues in Thornton, Pennsylvania. They can tackle anything from fixing a slow-draining bathtub to restoring corroded sewer pipes. Contact our team to schedule an appointment. Make your leaky faucet a thing of the past.