Some of the most common plumbing problems revolve around your faucet. Faucet problems can cause the water to drip, leak, spray, or not come out at all. Your faucet should be the first place to check when you have a problem.. Fortunately, if the problem is the faucet, it is easy to diagnose and fix. Here are some common faucet problems and some of the ways to correct them.

Drippy faucet:

This is a problem where the faucet continues to run or drip despite turning the knobs or levers to their tightest position. One of the most common reasons for this is that the washers have become cracked, stiff, or worn. Some faucets have ceramic taps instead of washers, which tend to last longer than rubber gaskets, but can become damaged over time. Both washers and taps can be easily replaced, but may require special tools in some cases. It may be better to call a professional if you haven't worked on faucets before.

Low water pressure:

If low water pressure only seems to be coming from one sink, then it's likely that it is isolated to that faucet. Faulty aerators and other buildup within the faucet can cause water pressure to be less than ideal. Aerators are located at the end of the faucet, and sometimes they get crusted and are difficult to remove, especially if you have hard water.

You can try washing or soaking them in vinegar to see if they loosen, then soak them overnight. Just in case, you should also check around your sinks for possible leaks. If soaking or replacing the aerator doesn't work, and you don't see a leak, then you will need professional help ASAP for further diagnosis.

Single-handle faucet problems:

If you have a faucet with a single handle that pulls in and out, then you may experience leaking even though you've turned it all the way off. In this case, you will have to have its o-ring replaced. These rubber o-rings deteriorate over time and begin to leak. If the handle is hard to turn or hard to pull out, then it could be that the entire cartridge is damaged and will need replacement.

In some cases, lubricating it with a silicone-based grease may improve things. However, be careful what types of grease you use as some of them can actually damage the component. Do not use spray silicone or petroleum-based silicone on faucets. Faucet grease is also not recommended.

All three of these issues are fairly easy to diagnose and repair, but if you aren't sure how to repair them yourself, then it is a better idea to call a plumber who can do all this for you. You may find that you would do better by replacing the entire faucet. If that's not possible, such as if you have an antique faucet or sink, then repair may be the only way. It's even more important to call a plumber when you suspect the problem isn't limited to just one sink.

For more information, contact a professional in your area like those found at C B Lucas Heating & Air Conditioning.