A lot of time was spent picking out the perfect faucet for the kitchen or bathroom. A professional was hired to do the installation. At first, everything worked perfectly, and the faucet looked amazing, but after a while, it started leaking. Why would a brand-new faucet leak?

A leaking faucet can be caused by a number of different issues, and they can appear at any time, even within the first six months after it’s installed. When a leak does happen, it’s important to determine the source to find out why the sink is leaking and what can be done about it. The following can help with figuring out the leak and how it happened. 

Identifying the Source of the Leak

The key to figuring out why a brand-new faucet has failed is looking to determine exactly where the leak is coming from. Follow the water or wet areas to see if it’s possible to find where the leak is happening. If the leak only happens at certain times, like when the water is turned on, keep a close eye on the sink during that time to find out where the leak originates from. Once it’s possible to see what part is leaking, it’s then easier to figure out what needs to be done to fix it. 

Damaged or Missing O-Ring

O-rings are rubber rings used during the faucet installation process to help make sure it doesn’t leak. During the installation, it’s possible for the o-ring to get pinched or squished, especially if it’s not seated properly. It’s also all too easy for it to be forgotten. There could be manufacturing defects in the o-ring that may mean it won’t work as expected. If the faucet is leaking near connections where an o-ring may be present, this is the likely culprit. Replacing the damaged or missing o-ring can fix the issue and prevent leaks in the future. 

Loose Connections

Loose connections somewhere near the faucet can also cause leaks. Something may not be installed properly or could come loose over time, though this would typically take longer than six months to happen. If the leak is coming from near a connection point, especially one that should be glued or where they may screw together, this can be a cause of the leak. If the connection itself is loose, tightening it should fix the leak. In some cases, plumber’s tape, o-rings, or other items may be needed to ensure a tight fit at the connection. 

Issues with Supply Lines

Supply lines bring hot and cold water to the faucet. Depending on the type of faucet, they may connect in different places or very close together. If the leak is happening near the connection for the supply lines, it’s possible that they are damaged or that the connection isn’t tight enough. Check for any visible issues and tighten them back in place to see if the leak stops. Be careful to do just one at a time so the hot and cold water lines don’t get mixed up. 

Damaged Pipes or Sink

If the leak is happening under the sink, it could be damage to the pipes or sink that is causing the leak. In these cases, the leak will typically only happen when the sink is in use or draining. Check close to the origin of the leak to see if there is any visible damage or spots where water could come through. If there is damage to the pipes, they will need to be replaced. If the damage is to the sink itself, it may need to be repaired or replaced, depending on the materials and the extent of the damage. 

Missing Plumber’s Tape

Plumber’s tape is typically used at connections that screw together, like where the supply lines are connected to the faucet. While plumber’s tape isn’t required for these types of connections, it’s often recommended. It’s a thin, stretchy tape that helps to make sure water can’t leak around the connection. If there is a leak close to a connection and the connection is already tightened, plumber’s tape can be added to the area that screws together. This should stop the leak and prevent it from leaking in the future. 

Issue With the Faucet Itself

Of course, there’s always the possibility that the problem lies with the faucet itself. Manufacturing errors can and do occur, and it could just be that the faucet wasn’t made properly in the factory. If there is a crack in the faucet, issues with the leak originating from inside the faucet, or similar problems, then it may be that something was done wrong when it was made. If there is a manufacturer’s warranty, this can be used to get a replacement faucet. If there is no warranty, the faucet may need to be replaced or repaired by a professional. 

Cheap Fixtures

Cheap fixtures typically last more than six months, but they might not. While a less expensive faucet may seem attractive and a great way to save money, it’s possible that the cheaper faucet just isn’t going to live up to everyday life. They are typically better for half-baths or bathrooms that aren’t used as often in the home. Instead, it’s a much better idea to use a more expensive fixture and have it professionally installed. While this will cost a bit more initially, it’s going to help with saving money in the long run because the faucet won’t break down as easily. 

Water Quality Issues

It may seem like faucets just don’t last very long in the house without having to be replaced, even though they are quality faucets and professionally installed. The thing is, the problem may not be the faucet. It could be the water. If the faucet has had to be replaced before its time in the past, the leak may be due to water pressure that’s too high, minerals clogging the aerator, or similar problems. Properly maintaining the faucet can help reduce issues, but it may also be worthwhile to consider having a water softener installed. 

Not Maintaining the Faucet

Maintaining the faucet is important to help keep it working properly and prevent leaks. Along with washing it with soap and water as needed, it’s recommended to check connections occasionally to make sure they’re secure. It’s also a good idea to take out the aerator and clean it on a regular basis, especially if the home is in an area known for hard water. In areas with hard water, using vinegar to wipe down the faucet can help reduce the potential for issues, as can having a filter installed to minimize future damage to the faucet. 

Can the Faucet be Fixed?

When there is a leak, the first question homeowners have is, can the faucet be fixed? Fixing a faucet, unless it’s a cheaper one, can be a lot less expensive. However, not all issues can be fixed. If there is a crack in the plumbing, the faucet itself is damaged, or there are major issues causing the leak, it may be better to replace the faucet. If, on the other hand, the leak happens because an o-ring is damaged, plumber’s tape wasn’t used, or connections are too loose, it’s much more likely that the faucet can be repaired.

The best way to determine what needs to be done is to work with a plumber. They can do a thorough inspection of the faucet to find out why it’s leaking and what’s needed. It may be as simple as tightening the supply lines or cleaning out the aerator. If it is, they’ll get the fixture fixed right away, so there’s no reason to worry about water damage. 

Choosing and Installing a New Faucet

If a brand-new faucet starts leaking, or you want to prevent leaks, calling a plumber in Weatherford should be the first step. It is important to find a quality plumber to work on the faucet. They can help, if needed, with finding a new faucet to purchase that will look stunning and be less likely to have any issues. They’ll also handle the installation process to prevent issues that can cause leaks. To find a quality plumber, check the following.

• Check their Reputation – Ask around to see what friends, family members, and neighbors think about the company. 
• Ask About License and Insurance – Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured to protect yourself and your property if anything goes wrong. 
• Ask About Workmanship Guarantees – Professionals should guarantee their workmanship, so if anything goes wrong because of how the faucet was installed, they’ll fix it. 
• The Cost for Services – Avoid the cheapest plumbers, as they may be more likely to cut corners, but make sure the plumber isn’t too expensive and has transparent costs for services. 

If your brand-new faucet is starting to leak, there may be a reason for it. And, it could be due to an issue with the faucet or an improper installation. If it’s not something that can be easily fixed or you aren’t sure why it’s leaking, call in the professionals for help. They can fix the existing faucet or help install a new one, depending on the issue, so you can use your faucet again without worrying about that annoying little drip.