Tips on How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Kaye Fretz
If you want to steer away from having to call a plumber and face the absurdly high fees they charge you with, you must learn how to fix a leaky faucet. Aside from that, you really wouldn't want to endure the annoying dripping sounds a leaky faucet makes, would you? By learning how to repair a leaky faucet, you will never have to call a plumber again. Go through these easy to understand and very simple steps and you'll be a faucet expert in no time.
Learning how to fix a leaky faucet is actually very easy, as long as you are equipped with the right tools and materials. Basically, all you need is a new washer (preferably one that is suited to the faucet you have at home), some rags, a wrench, and a screwdriver (flathead and Philipps).
There are some things you should do before you start pulling your faucet apart. First, you should shut off the main water supply by shutting off the control valve. This can be found somewhere along the pipes under the sink. Turn the level or handle of the valve counter clockwise to switch it off.
Other than that, you also have to plug up the drain with the use of rags. By doing so, you are preventing small parts like washer and screws to go down the drain.
After that is done, you can then begin fixing the leaky faucet. But, keep in mind that these steps are applicable only to conventional faucets. Unconventional faucets might be more complicated and might require you specific repair kits. There are no specific steps since it could vary with every type of faucet you have.
1. Under the handle, there is a nut where the faucet stem is joined to the water pipe. Use your wrench and twist the nut loose to remove it (counter-clockwise direction). With it, also turn the handle counterclockwise to take it off.
2. Once you have detached the handle, you will see a rubber-like washer that is held down by a screw. This washer is probably very old and falling down to pieces, which could be the reason why your faucet is leaking in the first place. Remove the old washer by unscrewing it, and then install the new washer. Remember that the new washer's size should just be similar to that of the old washer. Tighten the screws on the new washer to secure it in place.
3. Put everything back into its original place. Return the faucet handle (in clockwise direction this time), and screw the stem nut back into its original place.
4. After that, you can do the checking. Turn the water supply on and check whether the faucet still leaks. If it still leaks, you should probably tighten the screws more. Or, it could be that the faucet itself is defective, and not the washer. And if you think you really need it, seek professional help. Admit defeat and call a plumber.
And there they are - easy to follow and simple steps that will guide you about how to fix a leaky faucet. Now you can do it by yourself! There's no need for you to call a plumber, or even your handy neighbor to help you around a leaky faucet. By doing it yourself, you free yourself from irritating dripping sounds, nasty sink stains brought upon by long-standing drips, and water wastage due to constant dripping. Put these steps close to your heart and you will never be in distress again.
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