Alleged leaks from faucets on Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets have caught the attention of officials at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The agency said on Friday that the faulty issue could pose a safety hazard to the aircraft while airborne.

Regulators have reportedly ordered inspections of the aircraft. The concern comes nearly a month after the FAA approved Boeing to resume its deliveries of the Dreamliner after being halted due to issues with the aircraft's fuselage.

Ordering inspections

According to the Associated Press, the faucet leaks could allow water to flow into the 787's electronics system. In response, the FAA has suggested ordering repetitive inspections of the widebody jet to check for any active leaks. If water is found seeping from the faucet, the part needs to be replaced.

In December, water was reportedly leaking from an aircraft's lavatories, under the cabin floor, and into areas that house electronic equipment. The FAA detailed its discovery in a statement, according to FlightGlobal.

“The findings include a loss of water pressure during flight and a potable water system leak, discovered after landing, that caused water to migrate into the forward electronic equipment bay and affect multiple pieces of electronic equipment.”

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While mentioning that the water could damage electronic equipment, the FAA also said the issue could lead to a "loss of continued safe flight and landing." One airline reportedly found wet carpet in the aircraft's cockpit, prompting an inspection of its entire fleet of 787s. Following examination, the airline discovered several planes with leaking faucets. According to the Associated Press, the FAA did not identify the airline.

A slow leak

In November, Boeing informed airlines about the problem, describing it as a slow leak. The issue has reportedly been traced to an O-ring seal, which has been seeping around 8 ounces of water per hour. The manufacturer said the leak only involved certain 787s, but the FAA's proposed order would cover all aircraft.

With the inspection of all Dreamliners, the agency said the course of action would be short-term while Boeing works to redesign the faucet parts. According to the Associated Press, the redesign has been completed, but the planemaker is determining with its supplier and airlines when the new features can be installed on the planes.

Lavatory innovations

JAMCO, an aircraft components manufacturing company, supplies lavatories for Boeing widebody jets, including the 787.

"We are the sole supplier of lavatories for the wide body aircraft manufactured by The Boeing Company," the company said. "We have been also supplying lavatories for Boeing's newest aircraft, 787."

It is unclear whether JAMCO is involved in the redesign of the faucet parts on the aircraft. Still, the company boasts innovation in its products, including a touchless faucet and an onboard system, which could require additional water in the lavatories.

"Hands-free or one-touch water flow makes washing easier, especially for users with limited reach or mobility," the company explained. "In addition, JAMCO has achieved for the first time in the airline industry, introduction of a bidet system for airplanes and provides them for 777 and 787 models exclusively."

Sources: The Associated Press, FlightGlobal, JAMCO