Why Knoxville Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal at first, but those steady drips can add up to wasted water, higher bills, and long-term plumbing issues. At Chaffee HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical in Knoxville, Tennessee, we see faucet leaks almost every day — and most can be fixed quickly with the right repair.
This article explains the common reasons faucets leak, repair options, costs, and preventive care tips so you know when it’s a quick DIY fix and when to call a professional plumber.
What Causes Faucets to Leak
The most common reason for a dripping faucet is worn internal parts. Over time, washers, O-rings, and cartridges wear out and can’t form a watertight seal. Knoxville’s hard water also contributes to mineral buildup inside faucets, making leaks more likely.
Other causes include:
- Corrosion in valve seats (especially in older faucets)
- Loose screws, nuts, or seals from frequent use
- High water pressure that forces water past weak seals
Chaffee Technician Insight: “Most faucet leaks we see in Knoxville come down to worn cartridges. Replacing that one part usually solves the problem right away.”
Why Faucets Drip After Being Shut Off
If your faucet keeps dripping even after you turn the handle, the cartridge or washer is no longer sealing properly. Sometimes, debris or mineral deposits prevent the part from closing fully.
Cleaning out the buildup may help temporarily, but if the faucet continues to drip, replacement parts are usually needed. That’s where calling a Knoxville plumbing repair service makes sense.
The True Cost of a Dripping Faucet
A single faucet that drips once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year — that’s enough to fill more than 50 bathtubs. In Knoxville, where utility rates can add up fast, a leaky faucet can easily raise your bill by $15–$25 a month if left untreated.
Ignoring the problem can also cause water damage around sinks and countertops. That turns a simple $150 repair into a much more expensive restoration job.
Temporary Fixes vs. Professional Repairs
There are a few quick fixes homeowners can try before calling a plumber:
- Shut off the water supply under the sink
- Tighten visible screws or fittings
- Wrap plumber’s tape around leaking connections
These steps may buy you some time, but they rarely solve the root issue. For a lasting solution, most leaky faucets require:
- Washer or O-ring replacement – inexpensive and effective for compression faucets
- Cartridge replacement – the most common repair for modern faucets
- Valve seat cleaning or replacement – needed if corrosion is the culprit
Cost Expectation: In Knoxville, faucet cartridge replacements typically cost $120–$250, depending on the faucet style. That’s much cheaper than ignoring the problem until the faucet has to be replaced entirely.
When to Call a Knoxville Plumber
Not every drip requires an emergency call, but don’t wait too long either. Signs you should call Chaffee Plumbing include:
- Faucet drips steadily even after washer or cartridge replacement
- Leaks are coming from the faucet base, not the spout
- Multiple faucets are leaking (possible high water pressure issue)
- You notice rising water bills with no other explanation
Chaffee Reminder: “A faucet that leaks today is usually an easy fix. If you wait, corrosion and water damage can double or triple repair costs.”
Preventing Faucet Leaks in Your Knoxville Home
With a little maintenance, you can extend the life of your faucets and avoid costly repairs.
- Monitor water pressure: Keep it between 40–60 psi. If it’s higher, ask us about installing a pressure regulator.
- Inspect washers and O-rings yearly: Replacing them early is inexpensive.
- Clean faucet aerators monthly: This prevents mineral buildup from Knoxville’s hard water.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections: A licensed plumber can catch small leaks before they grow.
More Than Plumbing: Chaffee’s Full Home Services
While we’re your go-to experts for plumbing repairs, Chaffee HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical also provides:
- Air Conditioning & Ductless AC Services
- Heating & Heat Pump Services
- Indoor Air Quality & Dehumidifier Solutions
- Water Heater Installation & Repair
- Electrical Services for Knoxville Homes
Don’t let a small drip turn into a big expense. Call Chaffee HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical today for professional plumbing repair in Knoxville, TN. We’ll fix your faucet fast, help you lower your water bill, and keep your home comfortable year-round.
FAQs About Leaky Faucets in Knoxville
What causes a faucet to leak?
A faucet usually leaks because of worn-out washers, O-rings, or cartridges that no longer seal properly. Knoxville’s hard water can also lead to mineral buildup inside faucets, making leaks more likely. Call Chaffee Plumbing in Knoxville for fast repairs and lasting solutions.
Why is my faucet dripping when off?
If water drips even after turning the handle off, the cartridge or washer isn’t sealing. Sometimes cleaning helps, but most cases require a part replacement. Our Knoxville plumbers can fix this quickly and stop the waste.
How to repair a dripping water faucet?
Some homeowners replace washers or tighten fittings themselves, but that’s often temporary. The best repair is usually a cartridge replacement done by a professional. Contact Chaffee HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical for affordable faucet repair in Knoxville.
How urgent is a leaky faucet?
It’s not an emergency like a burst pipe, but it shouldn’t be ignored. A steady drip wastes thousands of gallons yearly and raises your water bill. Schedule a repair with Chaffee before the leak worsens.
How do you temporarily fix a leaky faucet?
Turn off the water supply under the sink and tighten fittings as a short-term solution. You can also wrap plumber’s tape around leaking connections. For a permanent fix, book a plumbing service with Chaffee.
Can you fix a leaky faucet without replacing it?
Sometimes cleaning mineral deposits or tightening connections stops a drip. But in most Knoxville homes, the long-term fix is replacing the cartridge or washer. Our technicians will recommend the best solution.
Why is water still dripping after turned off?
The cartridge or valve isn’t closing properly, allowing water through. Hard water buildup is a common culprit in Tennessee homes. Chaffee plumbers can replace the part and restore a watertight seal.
Can a dripping faucet increase the water bill?
Yes. Even a slow drip can add $15–$25 per month to your bill and waste over 3,000 gallons a year. Fixing leaks with Chaffee saves water and money.
Do I have to turn off the water to change a faucet?
Yes. Always shut off the water supply before repairs to prevent flooding. Our licensed plumbers handle this safely during faucet replacements and repairs.
How to replace the cartridge on a faucet?
Turn off the water, remove the handle, pull out the old cartridge, and insert a new one. Because faucet models differ, it’s best to let a professional handle it. Chaffee offers fast cartridge replacements in Knoxville.
Is a leaky faucet an emergency?
Not typically, but it should still be fixed quickly. A neglected faucet leak can cause water damage around sinks and cabinets. Call Chaffee before it becomes a bigger issue.
How much does it cost to replace a faucet cartridge?
In Knoxville, the average cost ranges from $120–$250, depending on the faucet type and labor. Chaffee provides upfront pricing so you know the cost before we start.
