This Common Kitchen Problem Can Cost You Big — Here’s How to Avoid It

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This Common Kitchen Problem Can Cost You Big — Heres

This problem is very common in the kitchen and bathroom. If you do nothing, it can cost you dearly.

A dripping kitchen or bathroom faucet is a problem that many people tend to overlook because they don’t want to call a plumber. However, this seemingly minor problem can have significant financial and environmental consequences.

While a tiny leak may not seem impressive at first glance, the additional water consumption is impressive when you do the math! On average, a dripping tap is 40,000 liters of wasted water, or 40 cubic meters of water per year. In France, the price of m3 of water varies depending on the municipality. In 2021, the average price of water in France was €4.34 per m3 (source: French Biodiversity Office – OFB, 2023). A dripping tap therefore costs an average of €174 per year. This is huge when you consider that the solution is very simple to repair the tap.

A dripping faucet leak can be caused by several factors. Understanding the cause is the first step to preventing and solving this problem. This can be due to worn seals, limescale build-up, excessive water pressure, a cartridge problem, or even improper installation.

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Most of the time, a leaky faucet can be fixed by changing the gasket, simply tightening the spout, or removing limescale buildup on the cartridge. Here’s how to fix your leaky faucet.

  1. Turn off the water;
  2. Disassemble the faucet;
  3. Inspect the components: seals, washers, and cartridge for wear or damage. If you notice signs of wear, replace the components as necessary.
  4. Clean mineral deposits. If you see mineral deposits in the faucet, clean them with white vinegar and a toothbrush. This will help restore a proper seal. Same for the cartridge, if it has limescale, let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes in white vinegar and hot water.
  5. Reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on.
  6. Check that it is not leaking anymore. If the drip is still there, call a plumber.

This small gesture can make a big difference to your bills, so it’s worth checking, especially as summer approaches when water can be in short supply in some parts of France.

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