Explore why your faucet might be dripping and learn effective solutions from Bergen County's plumbing professionals.
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Your faucet drips because specific internal components have worn beyond their ability to create a watertight seal. The rubber washer at the bottom of your faucet stem typically fails first, developing cracks or becoming compressed after thousands of uses. When this quarter-sized rubber disc can no longer press firmly against the valve seat, water seeps through the gaps. Corroded valve seats create another pathway for leaks—these brass or stainless steel surfaces develop mineral buildup or scratches that prevent proper sealing contact. In Bergen County’s hard water areas, calcium deposits accelerate this corrosion process, causing premature failure of sealing surfaces. O-rings around the packing nut also deteriorate from constant temperature changes and chemical exposure, allowing water to escape around the handle base. Finally, loose packing nuts—the threaded components that hold everything together—can work themselves free over time, creating gaps that allow water to bypass even functioning seals.
You can replace worn washers and O-rings yourself with basic tools and $3-8 in parts from any hardware store. Start by shutting off water supply valves under your sink, then remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the packing nut with adjustable pliers. The rubber washer sits at the bottom of the stem assembly—simply unscrew the brass screw holding it in place and install an identical replacement. O-rings slide over the stem and require gentle removal with needle-nose pliers to avoid damaging the metal threads. These repairs typically take 15-30 minutes and solve 70% of dripping faucet issues immediately.
You can replace worn washers and O-rings yourself with basic tools and $3-8 in parts from any hardware store. Start by shutting off water supply valves under your sink, then remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the packing nut with adjustable pliers. The rubber washer sits at the bottom of the stem assembly—simply unscrew the brass screw holding it in place and install an identical replacement. O-rings slide over the stem and require gentle removal with needle-nose pliers to avoid damaging the metal threads. These repairs typically take 15-30 minutes and solve 70% of dripping faucet issues immediately.
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Professional faucet repairs in Bergen County typically cost $150-280, depending on the complexity and replacement parts required. Simple washer and seal replacements run $150-180, while valve seat resurfacing or cartridge replacement ranges from $200-280. These prices include labor, parts, and a service warranty that protects your investment. Licensed plumbers use specialized tools like valve seat dressers and cartridge pullers that create precise fits impossible to achieve with household tools. They also test water pressure, inspect supply lines for damage, and identify related issues that could cause future problems. The diagnostic process alone saves you from repeated repair attempts and identifies whether your specific faucet model has known failure patterns requiring particular attention.
Professional plumbers install ceramic disc cartridges that last 20-25 years compared to rubber washers that fail every 3-5 years. These precision-engineered ceramic components create virtually leak-proof seals and resist mineral buildup that destroys traditional rubber seals. Stainless steel valve seats resist corrosion in hard water conditions, while brass compression fittings provide superior thread engagement that prevents loosening. Professionals also apply pipe thread compound and Teflon tape in specific patterns that create permanent, watertight connections. They use torque specifications to tighten components properly without overtightening that could crack fixtures or strip threads.
Water pressure exceeding 80 PSI forces water past even properly functioning seals, creating drips that return despite perfect repairs. Bergen County homes often experience pressure fluctuations from municipal supply changes or thermal expansion in water heaters. Installing pressure reducing valves maintains consistent 45-60 PSI throughout your home, eliminating the force that drives water past faucet seals. Thermal expansion tanks prevent pressure spikes when your water heater cycles, protecting all fixtures from damage. These system-level solutions address the root cause rather than repeatedly replacing worn components.
Your dripping faucet costs you money every day while potentially signaling bigger problems brewing in your plumbing system. Simple washer replacements handle basic wear, but persistent drips often indicate pressure issues or component damage requiring professional diagnosis. Contact Super Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC for expert evaluation of your Bergen County home’s plumbing system. Their licensed technicians identify the true cause of your dripping faucets and implement lasting solutions that prevent future problems. Don’t let a $5 repair become a $500 emergency—schedule your plumbing inspection today.
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