Why a Dripping Faucet Shouldn’t Be Ignored
That steady drip from your kitchen or bathroom sink isn’t just irritating—it’s wasteful. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s water (and money) literally going down the drain.
Beyond the cost, a leaking faucet can lead to corrosion, water stains, and higher humidity levels around sinks and counters, which may cause mildew or damage nearby wood or drywall. For homeowners in Northwest Arkansas, where hard water and fluctuating water pressure are common, these small leaks often point to deeper plumbing problems that need professional attention.
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Worn Washers and Seals
The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn washer or seal inside the fixture. Each time you turn your faucet on and off, these rubber or silicone parts are compressed against the valve seat to control water flow. Over time, friction and water pressure wear them out, allowing small amounts of water to slip through even when the faucet is closed.
In areas with hard water, such as Springdale or Fayetteville, mineral deposits can accelerate wear, causing washers and O-rings to dry out, crack, or lose flexibility. Once this happens, replacing the affected components is the only permanent fix.
While changing a washer sounds simple, doing it incorrectly can lead to overtightening, damaged threads, or leaks at the faucet base. A professional plumber ensures the repair is done right and checks that no other parts are deteriorating.
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Corrosion Inside the Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and controls how water exits. When minerals and sediments from hard water accumulate here, they create corrosion and small pits in the metal. Even a tiny imperfection in the valve seat surface can prevent a tight seal, leading to persistent drips.
Cleaning or resurfacing the valve seat requires specific plumbing tools and experience. If corrosion has advanced too far, the entire valve assembly may need to be replaced. Regular maintenance from NWA C & S Plumbing helps catch these problems early before they cause significant wear.
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High Water Pressure
If your faucet drips mainly at night or after appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher are used, high water pressure could be the cause. Excessive pressure inside your plumbing system stresses faucet components, forcing water past seals that would otherwise hold.
Northwest Arkansas homes often experience fluctuating pressure from municipal water systems, especially in neighborhoods on hilly terrain. While high pressure may not seem harmful, it shortens the lifespan of plumbing fixtures, causes leaks, and increases the risk of pipe bursts.
A professional plumber can test your home’s water pressure and, if needed, install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to protect your entire plumbing system and stop unnecessary drips.
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Faulty Faucet Cartridges
Many modern faucets use cartridges that control both hot and cold water flow. These cartridges contain small rubber seals that wear out or become clogged with sediment over time. When that happens, water can leak through even when the handle is in the off position.
Replacing a faucet cartridge involves matching the correct part for your specific brand and model—something that can be challenging without the right experience. A plumber from NWA C & S Plumbing can identify the correct cartridge and ensure it’s installed properly to restore smooth operation and prevent future leaks.
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Mineral Buildup from Hard Water
Homes across Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista deal with hard water, which leaves behind calcium and magnesium deposits inside faucets. These deposits restrict water flow and prevent moving parts from sealing correctly. The result is a slow, steady drip that gets worse over time.
Mineral buildup can also cause faucets to squeak, stick, or lose water pressure. Professional cleaning and descaling can often restore proper function, but if corrosion or scale buildup has damaged internal parts, replacing the faucet may be the better long-term solution.
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Loose or Damaged Components
Faucets are mechanical devices that experience wear and movement daily. Over time, fittings and connections inside the handle or spout can loosen. This can create minor leaks at joints or cause water to escape even when the faucet appears closed.
Attempting to tighten components yourself may seem harmless, but it’s easy to overtighten and crack the housing or strip threads. A licensed plumber can disassemble and reassemble your faucet safely, checking for signs of wear or improper installation along the way.
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The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Many homeowners ignore a dripping faucet because it doesn’t seem like an emergency. However, the longer a leak continues, the more damage it can cause. Drips may start as a few drops per minute but can quickly worsen, wasting water and increasing your bill.
Over time, water can stain sinks and fixtures, corrode metal parts, and cause mold to grow in damp areas. What could have been a simple seal replacement can turn into a full faucet or countertop repair. Addressing the issue promptly saves both water and money while protecting your plumbing system from additional stress.
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Why Professional Repair Is Worth It
While DIY repairs might seem appealing, faucets have intricate internal parts that must be installed precisely for a watertight seal. Professional plumbers not only fix the immediate leak but also inspect for underlying issues such as pressure problems, corrosion, or cross-threaded fittings that might cause future leaks.
At NWA C & S Plumbing, our licensed technicians use quality parts and proven methods to restore your faucet’s performance and ensure your plumbing system operates efficiently. We also evaluate nearby fixtures to make sure your home’s water pressure and valves are balanced properly.
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Preventing Future Faucet Leaks
Once your faucet is repaired, preventive maintenance can help avoid future problems. Professional inspections every year or two allow plumbers to spot early wear, test pressure levels, and clean components before leaks begin.
Installing a whole-home water softener is another smart investment for Northwest Arkansas homeowners. By reducing mineral buildup, softeners extend the lifespan of all your plumbing fixtures, from faucets and showers to water heaters and appliances.
Why Choose NWA C & S Plumbing
As a locally owned and operated company serving Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, and Bella Vista, NWA C & S Plumbing provides dependable, professional service built on integrity and precision. Our plumbers are experienced in diagnosing and repairing all types of leaks, from simple drips to major plumbing failures.
We focus on long-lasting solutions, not quick fixes. Whether you have a dripping faucet, a leaking water line, or a problem with your water pressure, we’ll get the job done right—the first time.
Conclusion
A dripping faucet is more than just an annoyance. It’s a sign that your plumbing needs attention before the problem grows. From worn washers and valve corrosion to hard-water buildup and pressure issues, multiple factors can cause faucet leaks in Northwest Arkansas homes.
If you notice a steady drip, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call NWA C & S Plumbing today for a professional inspection and reliable faucet repair that keeps your home safe, efficient, and leak-free.