Bathroom | December 8, 2023

Why is My Faucet Leaking? (5 Real Possibilities!)

Eventually, every homeowner experiences a leaky faucet “” whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen, tub, or laundry room. It’s inevitable.

What you might not know is that you have the ability to diagnose the problem yourself. With the knowledge below, you’ll now be able to answer for yourself, “Why is my faucet leaking?”.

Table of Contents

Understanding Faucet Types

Before we begin diagnosing the leak, let’s briefly discuss the mechanics of the two common types of faucets you’ll come across in your home.

Washer Faucets

The traditional washer faucet has a washer attached to a threaded stem. The stem is turned down and forms a seal against a mechanical seat. This type of faucet supplies either cold or hot water.

Washerless Faucets

Washerless faucets are commonly single-lever faucets that supply a mix of cold and hot water. They have a cartridge, valve, or ball which move up and down for volume and left and right for hot and cold.

There are literally thousands of different types, parts, and styles of faucets for indoor and outdoor applications. Knowing them all is impossible without a little help from a good sales rep or plumber.

Why is My Faucet Leaking?

Your first job is to observe if the leak is coming when the faucet is turned on or if it occurs when the water is off. Sometimes, stains in the fixture or around the faucet stem can indicate a leak. In either case, look for the following conditions:

1. Leaks and Drips Out of the Faucet

In a washer-type faucet, a leak or drip out of a turned-off faucet usually indicates a worn-out washer. Thankfully, the washer is inexpensive and easy to replace. However, it could also be a damaged seat which is more complex.

For other faucet types, the issue is likely caused by a deteriorated O-ring.

Depending on your level of skill and knowledge, you can fix any of these issues yourself or hire a plumber.

Example of a drip or leak coming out of the faucet.

2. Leaks from the Faucet Handle or Stem

In the washer-type faucet, leaking from the faucet handle or stem can be caused by a worn or bent stem, deteriorated stem packing, or a loose stem packing nut.

When this issue occurs in a washerless faucet, the culprits are usually faulty valves or cartridges. You will need to have the faucet replaced.

Again, while you might be able to fix these issues yourself, it’s more likely you’ll want to hire a plumber for these more complicated problems.

This is a “compression-type” bathroom faucet. The stem can cause leaking from wear and tear, damage, deterioration, or a loose stem packing nut.

3. Leaking Behind or Under the Faucet

If the faucet is not tightly secured to the fixture, countertop, or wall, splashing water can run under it. This causes staining and damage to walls and floors.

Try tightening the faucet underneath the sink. You’ll need to use a special tool called a basin wrench. This tool enables you to get into tight spots at odd angles. Thankfully, they can be purchased at your local hardware store for $10-$25.

This basin wrench is being used to get into a tight space that a normal wrench could not. They’re perfect for tightening faucet fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Noisy Faucets

Faucets of all kinds should run smoothly and quietly. So, when you hear a noise while using your faucet, it indicates a problem that could be leading to a leak.

A whistling sound while the water is running indicates a faulty interior design in the faucet. This can be difficult to fix. Call a plumber for more expertise.

Chatter and banging sounds while water is flowing are probably caused by a loose washer. You should be able to replace this.

When you turn off your faucet suddenly, you might hear what sounds like a hammer banging on your pipes. It’s called “water hammer,” and it’s not a faucet problem. The loud hammering is coming from the pipes behind your walls. It’s caused by water suddenly stopping and changing direction. This creates a shockwave, which is the sound you’re hearing.

Example of a leaking pipe fitting caused by water hammering.

5. Damaged or Corroded Faucets

A damaged or corroded faucet will immediately or eventually cause a faucet leak.

For example, a ceramic faucet handle can become cracked. And corrosion can eat away at the metal, creating pinholes where water leaks through. The best course of action in this instance is to simply replace the damaged or corroded faucet.

The corrosion on this faucet’s fastener nut and bolt (located under the sink) is a likely cause of leaking. The rust creates pinholes and weakens formerly tight seals.

Final Thoughts: Why is My Faucet Leaking?

Diagnosing a faucet leak doesn’t need to be complex. It’s more about your observation skills. Water always has a source, so follow the trail of water and you’ll find the problem.

The trick is in repairing or replacing the problem. Doing this depends much more so on your familiarity with the mechanics of plumbing fixtures and the right tools.

Even without any experience, you can handle some of these yourself. At the very least, identifying a problem in advance will give your plumber a leg up on the problem. It could also save you time and money.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with your indoor or outdoor faucets. We will repair, replace, or install them at your convenience.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain, or water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.