The sound of a dripping faucet can be really annoying, even at the best of times. The noise tends to grate on anyone’s nerves after a while, not to mention it can waste a lot of water. Thankfully, though, with just a few simple steps, you can get your leaky faucet fixed in no time! 1. Gather Your MaterialsWhen you’re fixing a leaking faucet, your toolbox will be your best friend. You don’t have to be a handyman to deal with a dripping faucet – there are just a few tools you’ll want to pick up at a hardware store. Here is what you will want to make sure you have at hand:
Shut Off Your WaterOnce you have your tools ready, there are a few things to remember before you attempt any repairs on your leaking faucet. Make sure that both cold and hot water supply lines have been cut by turning off their respective valves. You will want to turn the valves counterclockwise to shut them off. To make sure they are turned off, turn on the tap as a quick test. Remove the Cap from the Handle KnobOnce the water is off, go ahead and remove the decorative cap from the handle knob with a flathead screwdriver. After the cap has been removed, you should see a small screw that attaches the handle to the faucet’s stem. You can take out this screw using your Phillips-Head screwdriver. Now, you should be able to take the handle off the stem. Remove the Faucet StemTo remove the packing nut, get your adjustable C-wrench and loosen it up. Once you do that, you should be able to see the stem. Depending how your faucet is set up, the stem may pop right out. If not, you may have to twist it off from the valve. Be sure to check all of the parts for any damage or wear and tear after you remove the stem. Change the Rubber Ring and WasherAt this stage, you will want to replace the O-ring that is positioned around the middle of the stem. This rubber ring needs to be replaced with one that is exactly the same size; you will run into problems if it doesn’t fit properly! Next, you will want to replace the washer. The O-ring and washer are the two most likely causes of your dripping faucet, and you will want to make sure the new parts you use are the correct size. This should help make sure the dripping stops. Replace the FaucetAfter you have replaced the washer and O-ring, be sure to carefully reassemble your faucet in reverse order of removal. Over-tightening anything could cause leaks and other issues, so you will want to make sure you dont over-tighten anything. Once you are done, simply test things out by turning on the water. If you still notice dripping or leaking, it may be time to call a professional plumber for more advanced repairs, as this could be a sign that you have a larger problem, such as corrosion of the valve or torn seals. Aprofessional plumberwill be able to remedy these issues. Check out this article for some additional ideas!How to determine the cause of a leaky faucet
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Barry Peterson
Barry Peterson Plumbing Blog Tips & Tricks For Common Plumbing Issues |