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That pesky faucet leak can have a few different causes, most of which are standard wear and tear that occurs over time, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying, especially when the energy bill hits:

• Old washer: A deteriorated washer or gasket is the most common cause of a leak. Luckily, it’s easy and affordable to fix.

• Old packing nut: There’s a chance the packing nut (located beneath the handle) is loose and simply needs tightening, or it has been worn down, stripped, and needs to be replaced.

• Freezing temperatures: The water sitting in your spigot over winter can freeze, expand, and lead to damage and leaks.

• High water pressure: High water pressure is hard on pipes over time and can cause cracks and leaks, too.

It’s a good idea to drain your pipes to prevent them from freezing if you’re expecting extremely cold temperatures or planning to be away from your home for an extended period of time during the winter. You may be able to avoid draining your pipes if you insulate outdoor pipes and keep your home heated to a minimum temperature of 55 degrees.

The most common situation in which you should turn off the main water shut-off valve is if there’s a leak in your home, such as in the kitchen or bathroom. Turning off the water supply can prevent further water damage.

You may want to turn off the valve before leaving for an extended period, in case of leaks or pipe bursts while you’re gone. If you’re going to work on plumbing fixtures or appliances, it’s also a good idea to shut off the main valve to ensure no water flow during repairs or installation.

There are three main types of shower valves: pressure-balancing, thermostatic, and diverter. Pressure-balancing and thermostatic valves are both considered mixing valves because they regulate water flow and temperature, but they do so in different ways. A pressure-balancing valve senses changes in water pressure, such as from a flushing toilet, and adjusts the incoming hot and cold water to maintain a consistent temperature; these typically use a single knob. A thermostatic valve uses a thermostat to precisely control the water temperature and requires a separate control to adjust the water volume. A diverter valve directs the flow of water from one fixture to another, such as switching from a tub faucet to a showerhead in a tub-shower combination.