Fix Leaky Faucet in Your Home

Thursday, October 12, 2017

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A leaky faucet is a nuisance that you'll probably face sooner or later. Even slow drips lead to raised water bills, wasted water and the prospect of water damage. In addition, the sound of incessant dripping will do to push anyone over the edge. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a comparatively simple task and the one which you can complete and never have to contact the plumber.
Potential Causes for a Leaky Faucet

•     Exhausted seals and O-rings
•     Buildup on washers and valve parts
•     Corrosion of the valve seat
•     Loose parts

By firmly taking apart the faucet, you can identify the condition and make the required repair. Follow these easy steps to avoid the troublesome drip and keep your faucet from leaking.

Materials Needed to Repair a Leaky Faucet

To shorten the amount of time it takes to complete the project, be sure to gather all of the tools and materials required before you start. The project should only take about an hour to complete. The materials needed to repair a leaky faucet include:

•     Adjustable wrench
•     Flathead screwdriver
•     Phillips head screwdriver
•     WD-40 or other lubricant
•     White vinegar
•     Scouring pad
•     Replacement parts

Repair the Leaky Faucet

You do not have to call in a plumber to repair a leaky faucet. Even an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer can tackle this project and save a bundle of money in the process. Most people already have the tools needed to make the repair in their homes.

The following steps walk you through the process from start to finish.
Shut Off the Water

Always turn the water off before beginning a leaky faucet repair. If you skip this step and attempt to take apart the faucet, you could end up with a flooded kitchen or bathroom. Locate the shutoff valves below the sink to turn off the water to the fixture.

Alternatively, you can turn off the main water supply for the entire house. Turn on the faucet to verify that the water is shut off and to relieve pressure from the lines. Cover the drain with a stopper to avoid losing any small parts down the hole.
Remove Faucet Handles

Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the decorative handles from the faucet. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the handles in place. If the screws or other handle parts are corroded or difficult to remove, use WD-40 to lubricate and loosen the parts. Set the parts aside and make a note as to where they go and how to reinstall them.
Inspect the Faucet Parts

Use the wrench to loosen the packing nut and reveal the stem. You can then twist or pry the stem off of the valve. Inspect the packing nut and the stem for signs of buildup or corrosion. Additionally, check the O-ring and the washer in the valve seat to make sure that they are in good condition, too. Clean the parts as needed to remove any buildup or deposits, and then set them to the side.
Clean the Valves

With all of the parts removed from the faucet, you can inspect the valves. There is likely a fair amount of mineral depositing or other buildup.

Pour white vinegar over the affected areas and allow everything to soak for several minutes. This helps dissolve the deposits to make them easier to remove. Use the scouring pad to clean the surfaces. Remove the stopper from the drain and pour clean water over the valves to rinse away any dirt and debris.
Put the Faucet Back Together

Put the faucet back together in reverse order of the order you followed when you took it apart. If any of the parts are overly corroded or damaged, be sure to replace them with new parts. Turn the water supply back on and inspect the faucet for leaks.
Know When to Replace the Faucet

As with anything else, faucets deteriorate with age and need to be replaced sooner or later. If the faucet you are working with is old, then it might be time to replace it with a new one.

Many faucets have a lifespan of about 10 years before they require major repairs or replacement. Consider replacing the faucet if you notice any of the following:

    Leaks from multiple areas
    Extensive corrosion
    Hard-to-find parts
    Faucet is damaged when taking it apart

Tag : Plumber Service, Plumbing Maintenance