Fix Leaky Faucets: Hard Water Guide

Understanding Hard Water and Its Impact on Your Faucets

That annoying drip, drip, drip coming from your faucet isn't just a waste of water; it could be a sign of a larger problem, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water, laden with minerals like calcium and magnesium, can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, leading to leaky faucets, reduced water flow, and costly repairs. This guide will walk you through understanding the effects of hard water, diagnosing the cause of your leaky faucet, and implementing effective solutions to fix and prevent future problems.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is defined as water containing a high concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. The Department of Energy states most local governments label water as “hard” if it has an ionic concentration of over 60 PPM or 3.50 GPG. These minerals are picked up as water travels through soil and rock. While hard water is generally safe to drink, it can cause a range of issues throughout your home, particularly with your plumbing fixtures.

Identifying Hard Water in Your Home

Here are some telltale signs that you have hard water:

• Scale Buildup: Look for chalky white deposits around your faucets, showerheads, and drains. This limescale is a clear indicator of hard water.
• Soap Scum: Notice a filmy residue on your skin, hair, and shower doors after washing? Hard water interferes with soap's ability to lather properly, leading to soap scum.
• Reduced Water Flow: Mineral buildup inside your pipes and faucet aerators can restrict water flow, resulting in lower water pressure.
• Stains on Fixtures: Unsightly stains on faucets and your water heater can be another sign of hard water. These stains are the result of mineral deposits that have hardened on the surface of your fixtures.
• Valve Stiffness or Leaking: Over time, hard water can cause corrosion and wear on internal valve components, leading to valves that require repair or replacement sooner than expected.

The Leaky Faucet Culprit: Hard Water's Impact

Hard water contributes to leaky faucets in several ways:

• Mineral Buildup (Limescale): As hard water flows through your faucets and fixtures, it leaves behind traces of minerals. Over time, these traces build up, forming thick layers of limescale. This buildup can restrict water flow and cause pressure imbalances, which lead to leaks. The accumulation of limescale can also damage rubber washers and seals, causing them to degrade and lose their effectiveness.
• Corrosion: Hard water can cause corrosion in metal plumbing fixtures. The minerals react with the metal, leading to rust and weakening of the fixture. Over time, this corrosion can create small holes or cracks that result in leaks.
• Increased Water Pressure: Mineral buildup puts excess water pressure on parts that aren't designed to handle high-pressure water. Over time, this can force the water past O-rings and other gaskets, even when the gaskets and O-rings are in good condition.
• Internal Corrosion: Internal corrosion in faucets is one of the most common problems. Hard water has a lot of dissolved minerals that can damage the internal faucet parts. The ball valve, often made of metal, can corrode slightly and allow small amounts of water to come through when the faucet is turned off, resulting in a leak.
• Damaged Cartridge: If you have a faucet with two handles, one for hot water and the other for cold, then you have a cartridge-style faucet. A damaged cartridge can cause dripping.
• Broken Washers: A common cause of a leaking faucet is broken washers.

DIY Faucet Repair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you call a plumber, you can attempt to fix a leaky faucet yourself. Here's a general guide. Note that specific steps may vary slightly depending on your faucet type (compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disc). Always consult the manufacturer's instructions if available.

Tools and Materials You'll Need:

• Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips head)
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers (regular and needle-nose)
• Penetrating oil (like WD-40)
• New faucet repair kit (containing O-rings, washers, and seats)
• Plumber's grease
• Clean cloths or rags
• Basin wrench (optional, for removing the faucet body)
• Allen wrenches
• Teflon tape

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop the water flow. If you don't have individual shut-off valves, turn off the main water supply to your house. Check to make sure that the water is off by turning the faucet on.
2. Protect the Sink: Place a towel or cloth in the sink to prevent scratches and protect the drain opening.
3. Disassemble the Faucet:
   • Remove the Handle: Depending on the faucet type, you may need to pry off a decorative cap to access a screw. Loosen the screw and gently pull off the handle.
   • Remove the Faucet Stem or Cartridge: Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut that holds the stem in place. For cartridge faucets, you may need to remove a retaining clip with needle-nose pliers before pulling out the cartridge.
4. Inspect the Parts:
   • Washers and O-rings: Check for wear, cracks, or hardening. These are common culprits for leaks.
   • Valve Seat: Examine the valve seat (the part the washer presses against) for pitting or corrosion.
   • Cartridge: If you have a cartridge faucet, inspect the cartridge for any signs of damage.
5. Replace Worn Parts:
   • Washers and O-rings: Replace any damaged washers and O-rings with new ones from your repair kit. Coat them lightly with plumber's grease before installation. O-rings range in size from 3/8 to 5/8 inch, so it's crucial to match the exact size of your faucet.
   • Valve Seat: If the valve seat is damaged, you can try to smooth it out with emery cloth. If the damage is severe, you'll need to use a seat wrench to remove and replace it.
   • Cartridge: If the cartridge is damaged, replace it with a new one of the same type. To replace the entire cartridge, match the length of the old cartridge with the length of the replacement. Also, match the stem end where the handle attaches.
6. Reassemble the Faucet:
   • Carefully reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly. Make sure all parts are properly aligned and tightened.
7. Turn the Water On Slowly: Turn the shut-off valves counterclockwise to gradually restore the water supply. Check for leaks around the handle, spout, and connections.
8. Test and Adjust:
   • Run the faucet for a few minutes to ensure there are no leaks. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections further or recheck the installation of washers and O-rings.

Tackling Mineral Buildup

Even after repairing the leak, hard water can continue to cause problems if you don't address the mineral buildup. Here are some methods to remove and prevent limescale:

Cleaning the Faucet Exterior:

• Vinegar Soak: Soak paper towels in vinegar and wrap them around the faucet. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the faucet for the best results. Leave these paper towels for an hour and then remove and clean the faucet with dry paper towels.
• Plastic Bag Method: Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and submerge the faucet head in the solution. Secure the bag with a rubber band and let it soak for at least an hour, or even overnight for heavy buildup. In the morning, remove the bag and wipe clean.
• Lemon Juice: Try cleaning your faucets with a fresh lemon. The naturally occurring acids in lemon juice are strong enough to cut through a few layers of mineral deposits.
• Commercial Cleaners: Use a commercial mineral cleaner like CLR. Remove the shower head and faucet aerators to soak in the solution for a few hours, and then wipe the outside of the faucet clean.
• Toothpaste: With minimal fuss, you can remove hard water stains from the faucets, mirrors, and even some porcelain dishes by brushing thoroughly for at least 1 minute using toothpaste and an old toothbrush. You should let the toothpaste sit for at least 5-10 minutes before washing it off with cold water and cleaning with a dry towel.
• Steam Cleaning: Use a handheld steamer with a soft-bristled attachment to remove the buildup without damaging the finish and without using strong chemicals. Allow steam to collect on the faucet head, then use the bristled attachment to rub away residue.

Cleaning the Aerator:

If water flow is inconsistent or the faucet has only a partial spray, you might need to clean the aerator in the faucet head.

1. Remove the aerator from the faucet head. Stand over the faucet, gripping the aerator with a pair of pliers. Twist it counterclockwise until the aerator comes completely off. Keep track of gaskets and other parts that you must reattach following the cleaning.
2. Soak the aerator in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
3. Scrub the aerator to dislodge what's caught in the aerator screen.
4. Rinse and reassemble.

Long-Term Solutions for Hard Water Problems

While cleaning and repairing your faucets can provide temporary relief, the best way to combat hard water is to address the issue at its source.

Water Softener Installation:

A water softener is the most effective way to mitigate the impact of hard water on your plumbing system. These systems remove calcium and magnesium from your water supply, preventing mineral buildup and corrosion throughout your home. Removing dissolved minerals will help prevent wear and tear on your home's supply lines, drain lines, and plumbing fixtures.

Faucet Filters:

Consider installing faucet filters that can capture some of the minerals in hard water before they reach the fixture. These filters can reduce the amount of mineral buildup and help maintain the longevity of your faucets and fixtures.

Choose the Right Faucet Materials and Finishes:

When it's time to replace your faucets, consider these factors:

• Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Damage from hard water is intensified when using a faucet made out of a weaker/thinner metal, so find a faucet made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as brass or stainless steel.
• Finishes: Select a faucet with a finish that is resistant to tarnishing and staining, such as brushed nickel or chrome. These finishes are easier to clean and maintain. Satin nickel finishes are renowned for being the best faucet finish for effectively hiding hard water stains because the satin nickel color is quite similar in hue to the color of typical water deposits, creating a visual camouflage effect.
• PVD Coating: It's also vital that the faucet has the proper PVD coating, which helps to make a faucet more resistant to hard water corrosion and stains.
• Single-Handle Design: Faucets with a single-handle design are generally easier to clean and maintain since these fixtures have fewer crevices or joints in which scale can accumulate.
• Rubberized or Silicone Nozzles: Consider faucets with rubberized or silicone nozzles that help prevent mineral clogging.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Hard Water and Leaky Faucets

Don't let hard water dictate the lifespan and performance of your faucets. By understanding the causes of leaky faucets and implementing preventative measures, homeowners can effectively manage the impact of hard water on their plumbing systems. Regular maintenance, the use of water softeners, and proactive repairs are key to keeping your faucets and fixtures in good working condition.

Next Steps:

• Test your water for hardness to determine the severity of the problem.
• Consider installing a water softener if hard water is a persistent issue.
• Regularly clean your faucets and aerators to remove mineral buildup.
• Inspect your faucets for leaks and address them promptly.
• If you're not comfortable with DIY repairs, consult a qualified plumber.