Can a leaky faucet be repaired? The answer is yes, and here are 5 simple steps on how to fix your leaky faucets.
A dripping faucet is a common problem in many homes. As a homeowner, you need to understand that a leaking faucet can cause significant water damage if the problem isn’t handled in time. So, the next time you notice residual water pooling under the sink or an annoying drip, you should act fast. Understand that you don’t necessarily need to hire a plumbing expert to fix your faucets. The good news is there are simple do-it-yourself approaches that are both easy and inexpensive and only require basic tools.
Leaky Faucets
So let’s take a closer look with a step-by-step guide for fixing your leaky faucets.
Shut Off Your Water Supply
The first step to take when you realize that you’ve got a leaky faucet is to cut off the water supply. It is a good idea to know where the water cutoff is for all your sinks, showers, and appliances. For many sink designs, the shut-off valves are located under the fixture. If you can’t locate it, start by following the pipe. When all else fails you can turn off the main water supply while you sort out the problem.
Get Rid of Any Decorative Aspects of Your Handle
Once the water supply is off, use a flat-head screwdriver to get rid of any decorative cap on the faucet handle knobs. Inside of the handle, there will be screws that mount your handle to the top of your faucet stem. Using a flathead screwdriver carefully unscrew and remove your faucet handle. If you find it necessary, you should consider using penetrating oil to help loosen your handle so that it comes off easily.
Removing Your Packing Nut
After the handle is removed, use an adjustable wrench and loosen your packing nut and you’ll notice the valve stem. Once the nut is loosened, the stem assembly should come out immediately. If it doesn’t, you should twist it manually. Once all the parts are removed, confirm whether they are damaged.
Inspect your Washer and O-ring
If you don’t find any damage, the next step will involve inspecting your old washer and O-ring in the valve seat. Wear to these two parts, after years of use, is the most common reason for leaking faucets. When it comes to replacing a worn-out washer or O-ring, you have to ensure that the replacements are an exact fit.
The best thing to do is to take your O-ring and rubber washer to your local hardware store so that you can get the same size replacement parts. If you want to learn more about leaky faucets and how these two parts are effective, you can learn more from the API Plumbing Website.
Carefully Reassemble your Faucet
After re-installing a new O-ring and new washer, ensure that you carefully reassemble the parts in the same order you removed them. Consider doing it slowly and carefully so that you don’t end up over-tightening and stripping the faucet threads. Once all the parts are intact turn on your water supply. You then need to slowly turn your knob to check whether the flow of water is coming from the tap or if it’s still leaking.
Leaky FAucets Final Thoughts
Once you are done with your faucet repair, remember to organize the space under your kitchen sink. If by chance the water keeps leaking it may be a sign you need a more extensive plumbing repair and you should get in touch with a professional plumber.
professional plumber.
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