What Are You Going To Do About That Leaky Faucet? Repair It
Leaky water taps not only cause aggravation to the home-owner
, but are also extraordinarily expensive. Even little leaks can lead to 3 gallons of water being wasted per day, and may cause permanent water stains in your sink.
If your tap is a washer-type ( a / k / a compression ) model, and the leak is coming from the base of the handle, there's possibly simply a loose connection that must be tightened. To do that, just find the nut which can often be found below the handle ( or within the handle in some designer taps ) and tighten. Other reasons that explain why a washer-type model might leak are ( i ) the stem might be badly worn or torn, or ( ii ) there might be a defective washer seat. Both these issues can be fixed by the home-owner or with the help of a plumber.
If nevertheless, the issue is a slow leak from the tap, water picking up behind the faucet's handle, or water running or leaking from the handles, most probably the washer just needs to get replaced.
Replacing a washer is a simple task that can be done without a plumber's help, just by taking the steps set forth below. Remember, however, that should you have difficulty with any of these steps, or if the faucet continues to leak after replacing the washer, it is best to consult with a licensed plumber.
Switch off the water being supplied to the tap in question. If there's a shutoff valve under the leaking fixture, the water should be turned off at this point. If nonetheless, your place isn't supplied with shutoffs for individual fixtures, the whole water supply to your house will have to be turned off. This could be done by turning off, the primary water shutoff valve, which is mostly found in a home's use room or cellar.
Disassemble the faucet. To do so, first unscrew or snap off the decorative cap in the handle and loosen the screw which can be found beneath the cap. If necessary, use oil such as WD-40 to loosen. Next, pry or lift the handle from its stem, and remove the packing nut found beneath the handle with an adjustable wrench or slip-joint pliers, exposing the remainder of the stem. Twist out the stem by turning it the same way you would to turn on the faucet.
Holding the stem in your hand, find the old washer, which is held in position by a screw on the lower end of the stem. Take out the screw that holds the washer and inspect the washer. If it's got a groove worn in it, or is pushed flat, the washer is worn and may be replaced. To do hence go to a store and, using the old washer as a guide, get a new washer of the matching size and style (beveled or flat, designed for cold water or for both cold and warm water).
Fasten the new washer to the stem, reinstall the stem into the faucet, and turn the handle to the faucet back to its correct position. With the stem in place, put the packing nut back into place and tighten.
Reload the handle and replace the ornamental cap.
Turn the water back on, testing for leaks. If the leak continues, the replacement washer might not be the right size, and you need to try replacing with a washer of a different size.
The Home Fixers is your internet resource for plumbing and do it yourself tips, and the simplest way to find a plumber on the internet.
by: Nevil Booster.
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