Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Leaky Faucet: A Tulsa Homeowner’s Guide

Frank Davis
Jun 30
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Leaky Faucet Tulsa plumber Karney Plumbing

Introduction

Leaky faucets may seem like just an annoyance at first, dripping away 10–20 times per minute. But don’t let that fool you—it’s not just water (and money) going down the drain. At Karney Plumbing, we’ve seen countless homeowners shrug off a minor drip—until it becomes a disaster. In this blog post, we'll dive into the real impact of leaky faucets and why timely repairs are essential for Tulsa homes.

1. The True Cost of a Drip From Leaky Faucet

Hidden Water Waste – A single faucet dripping at one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons per year. That’s roughly enough for 180 full showers!
Higher Utility Bills – Wasted water translates directly into monthly bill increases. Even a small leak can add tens of dollars annually to your Oklahoma water bill.
Environmental Impact – In a region where droughts can strike, every drop counts. Reducing household water waste helps conserve our shared resources.

2. Plumbing Problems Often Begin Small

Accelerated Fixture Wear: Continuous dripping causes premature wear to faucet components like washers, seals, and cartridges—leading to more costly replacements down the road.
Pipe Corrosion Risk: Mineral buildup from persistent water flow can corrode metal fixtures and pipes, increasing the risk of leaks or even bursts.
Mold & Mildew Growth: Constant moisture creates the perfect environment for mold around sinks and under cabinets. This is not only unsightly, but also a health hazard.

3. Quick DIY Fixes vs. Professional Service

Here’s what you can do:

Scenario	Recommended Approach
Drip from surface or handle area	Try replacing the O-ring or washer yourself—plumbing parts stores have cheap, easy-to-install kits.
Leak continues after basic repair	Call a licensed plumber—there may be worn seats or valves needing professional attention.
Significant corrosion or water stains	Professional inspection required—these could signal deeper pipe issues.

At Karney Plumbing, our Tulsa team is ready 24/7. Even a simple handle swap includes a full system check to ensure no hidden issues.

4. When to Call Karney Plumbing

Persistent Drips after your DIY fix
Unfamiliar piping or junction leaks
Visible mold or water damage under sinks
High water usage bill with no obvious cause
High-efficiency fixture upgrades—we can install and certify them for rebates

5. Avoid Problems Before They Start

👉 Replace washers and O-rings every 2–3 years
👉 Run full-system checks annually
👉 Monitor your water bill for unexpected spikes
👉 Consider upgrading to water-saving fixtures (EPA Water Sense-approved)

Final Thoughts

That tiny drip may look harmless, but it’s quietly damaging your wallet, your plumbing, and possibly your health. Don’t wait until it turns into a major headache. Call Karney Plumbing today and get expert help before a minor faucet leak becomes a major repair bill.

🚨 Emergency after-hours? We’re available 24/7. Schedule your visit now or call (918) 910-9977 — we’re proud to serve Tulsa homeowners!