That little drip-drip-drip you hear might seem like no big deal until you get your water bill. If you’re in Zephyr, TX, and your faucet dripping won’t stop, you’re probably spending more than you realize. And it’s not just annoying, it’s quietly wasting gallons of water and dollars every single day.
In this post, we’ll talk about why your faucet might be dripping, how much it’s costing you, when it’s time to roll up your sleeves, and when to call a professional. If you’ve searched for “faucet repair Zephyr TX” or “Houston plumber near me,” you’re in the right place.
Why Does a Faucet Dripping Matter?
It may not seem like much. Just a few drops here and there, right? But over time, a dripping faucet adds up.
A slow drip at 10 drips per minute wastes about one gallon per day. That’s 30 gallons a month. Not so harmless anymore. And that’s just a slow leak. A faster one, say 120 drips per minute, can waste over 330 gallons a month. That can raise your water bill by $10, $15, or even $20 a month, depending on your rates.
Also, if the drip is from your hot water line, you’re losing money on energy, too. It’s like watching your dollars go down the drain.
What’s the Real Cost of a Drip?
Here’s how the numbers break down:
Drip rate | Water wasted per month | Extra cost per month |
10 drips/min | ~30 gallons | $1–$3 |
60 drips/min | ~150 gallons | $5–$10 |
120 drips/min | ~330 gallons | $10–$20+ |
If you’re seeing even just a small jump in your water bill and can’t explain it, a leaking faucet could be to blame. And that’s just one faucet. Imagine the cost if two or three fixtures are leaking around your home.
Why Faucets Start Dripping in the First Place
There are a few usual suspects when it comes to dripping faucets:
1. Worn-out Washer or Cartridge
Most older faucets use rubber washers. Over time, these break down and allow water to pass through. Newer faucets often use cartridges, and these can wear out or crack.
2. Faulty O-ring
An O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps create a watertight seal. If it’s dried out or cracked, water can start seeping out, especially around the base of the faucet.
3. Loose or Leaking Connections Under the Sink
If the faucet itself looks fine, take a peek under the sink. Leaks from the supply lines or fittings can create a slow puddle or even hidden water damage.
4. High Water Pressure
This is a sneaky one. High pressure can force water past seals and gaskets, causing a slow drip. It can also cause leaks to form over time, even in newer faucets.
Try These Simple DIY Checks
Before calling in a plumber, there are a few easy things you can do to check what’s going on.
- 1. Count the drips. Use a timer and count how many drips you see in 15 seconds. Multiply by 4 to get drips per minute.
- 2. Paper towel trick. Dry your sink and put a paper towel under the faucet. Come back in an hour and check for moisture.
- 3. Check the faucet base. Run the faucet and look closely at the base for leaks.
- 4. Look under the sink. Put down a towel, turn on the faucet, and check for drips around the supply lines and shut-off valves.
These checks can tell you if the problem is the spout, the base, or something hidden underneath.
When It’s Time to Call a Pro
There are times when fixing it yourself just won’t cut it.
- 1. You’ve replaced the washer or cartridge, and it’s still dripping
- 2. Water is leaking underneath the sink
- 3. The faucet is corroded, rusted, or very old
- 4. You’re unsure what’s wrong and don’t want to risk making it worse
This is where a trusted Houston plumber near me comes in. A good professional can handle everything from a simple cartridge swap to a full faucet replacement, and usually in one visit.
If you’re in Zephyr, hiring someone who knows the area and its water systems makes a big difference. It means faster diagnosis, better parts compatibility, and less hassle overall.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Aside from the obvious money you’re spending on wasted water, ignoring a dripping faucet can lead to:
- 1. Noise and annoyance. That constant drip can drive anyone crazy, especially at night.
- 2. Water damage. If the leak spreads under the sink or behind walls, it could cause mold or structural issues.
- 3. More expensive repairs. What starts as a $10 fix could turn into hundreds if ignored for too long.
- 4. Environmental waste. Fixing a leak saves not just money, but water, one of our most important resources.
Fixing it sooner rather than later is always the better option.
What a Faucet Repair Visit Looks Like
When you book a faucet repair appointment in Zephyr, here’s what you can expect:
- 1. A clear conversation with a real person, not just automated scheduling
- 2. A professional who shows up with the right parts, cartridges, washers, tools, and experience
- 3. No confusing jargon or sales pressure, just straightforward answers
- 4. An honest estimate before any work starts
- 5. A repaired faucet that works quietly and efficiently again
If the faucet’s beyond saving, your plumber might recommend a replacement. But that usually only happens if it’s old, heavily corroded, or leaking in multiple places.
Need More Than Just Faucet Help?
Many plumbers in Zephyr offer full-service plumbing, including:
- 1. Kitchen and bathroom sink installs
- 2. Leak detection
- 3. Water pressure testing
- 4. Shut-off valve replacements
- 5. Pipe inspections
So if you’re noticing other plumbing issues, now might be the right time to ask about them during your visit.
Ready to Stop That Drip for Good?
That faucet isn’t going to fix itself, and the longer it drips, the more you pay.
If you’re in Zephyr, TX, and you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, don’t wait until the water bill shocks you again. Whether it’s a small repair or a full replacement, our experienced team at On Point Plumber is ready to help.
Get fast, friendly, no-pressure service from a local pro.
- 1. Same-day faucet repair available
- 2. Honest pricing and expert advice
- 3. Fully stocked vans to fix it on the first visit
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
Even a slow drip can waste up to 30 gallons a month. A fast leak can waste over 300 gallons.
Can a drip raise my water bill?
Absolutely. You could be paying $5 to $20 more per month without realizing it.
What's usually broken in a dripping faucet?
The washer, cartridge, or O-ring is the most common part to fail.
Should I try to fix it myself?
You can try if you’re comfortable turning off the water and handling tools. But for anything complex, it’s safer to call a pro.
How do I choose the right plumber in Zephyr?
Look for someone local with great reviews, fast response times, and a focus on clear, honest service