How That Leaky Spigot Can Affect Your Time Outside This Summer

It’s summertime again, and you know what that means — warm weather, shining sun, and lots and LOTS of MOSQUITOES. Now, we aren’t here to inform you about the removal of these little critters, and we certainly aren’t experts in that field, but we can tell you exactly how your leaking pipes or spigots lead to these flying pests breeding in and around your home.

Now that the warm weather is back, you might be spending more time outside and realize that your hose spigot is dripping ever-so-slowly. Nothing to be too concerned about, but enough to create that little puddle up against your house. You don’t think too much of it and go ahead and spend your well-earned weekend lounging around the house and yard. All the while, the miracle of life is taking place … in that little puddle. Mosquitos breed and lay their eggs in shallow puddles and ponds, including little standing water spots like the one caused by your leaky spigot.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t the only ones who breed in areas like this. A large assortment of little pests thrive in standing water. The mosquitos are joined by dragonfly nymphs, nepidae (water scorpions), and a personal favorite, housefly maggots. These critters all are born from eggs laid in shallow, stagnant waters left behind and sometimes discarded.

But fear not! Hope isn’t lost. While there is no way to completely eliminate these annoying little visitors, we can tell you how to make that quick fix — saving gallons and gallons of water, as well as not creating a place for these little suckers to lay their eggs.

1. Start by turning off your main water supply to your spigot.
2. Unscrew the nut beneath the handle of the faucet
3. Remove the valve stem from the hose bibb
4. Replace the washer at the end of the valve stem
5. Place the valve stem back into the bibb, tighten the nut (do not overtighten), turn on your water, and you’re good to go!

These five steps should be able to help you save money on that water bill and save you from at least a few bug bites over the coming months. And if you need a little more extra help, such as spigot repair or replacement, you can call Prime Plumbing in Maryland!

6 Causes of Spigot Leaks

Aging washers are the chief offenders in the spigot leakage universe. Sometimes, they’re poorly sized, and sometimes, friction against the valve seat leads to erosion. Fortunately, washers are cheap and easy to install. Here are a few common causes:

• Cold temperatures: When temperatures become frigid, pipes are damaged, and water reroutes through the resultant hole in early spring.
• O-ring damage: Outdoor spigots aren’t the only leaky components in your hose bib. O-rings can wear and break, destroying your seal.
• Time: Your components might have loosened with time.
• Rust: Rusty valve seats are every spigot’s nightmare, loosening the connection between your spout and faucet.
• Mineral buildup: It might have accumulated in your spout, particularly if you live in a hard water area.
• Worn cartridge: Your faucet cartridge might have become worn.

Arrange a spigot repair with Prime Plumbing in Baltimore County by calling 443-741-1129.

Damage Caused by Spigot Leaks

A slow faucet leak can generate 5 gallons of wasted water a day. Many household utility bills rise by as much as hundreds each month. Drips are expensive, but that’s not the only destructive consequence of a spigot leak. Your drains may clog or overflow, leading to structural deterioration. Mold, rot, and water stains will quickly take hold, destroying your curb appeal.

Water is a highly destructive force that can seep into your foundation, causing ground expansion and, ultimately, a slab leak. Water’s solvent properties can dissolve almost anything if given enough time. The risks only multiply if your leak is pooling in your yard.

Take control of your leaks with Maryland’s Prime Plumbing team by calling 443-741-1129. Schedule an appointment in Anne Arundel County.