subject: How To Fix A Compression-type Faucet ? [print this page] When it comes to the common plumbing fixtures then compression-type faucets cannot be overlooked. The compression-type faucets maintain a water-seal by compressing one segment of the plumbing fixture against other segment. As a result, the water is not allowed to escape out of the concerned plumbing faucet.
The job of faucet may be handled by a novice depending on the intensity of the fault. With time, the compression-type faucets are bound to report certain faults in the form of water leaks.
It is very important to shut off the water valve of the concerned faucet before disassembling the faucet unit. There are two ways of cutting off the water supply to the concerned faucet. Either you can turn off the individual faucet valve located behind the faucet assembly or you can walk out to the sidewalk of the home to turn off the main valve. If you do not find a valve under the concerned faucet unit then find the access panel on the wall. It may turn out to be the case that no individual valve is installed for the faulty faucet unit. In that case, turn off the main supply valve.
Drain out water from the drain pipe of the faucet before kicking off the proceedings.
First, you need to undo the handle of the compression-type faucet to expose the underlying problem. Take a screwdriver out of your tool kit and remove the handle cap with ease. Once the cap is removed, you would notice a screw holding the handle in place. Unscrew the nut to expose the assembly of the faucet.
Take out a crescent wrench from the tool kit and adjust it to handle the unscrewing operation of the assembly nut. Once the screw is removed, locate the stem of the assembly. Remove out the stem carefully such that no damage is done to the surrounding components of the faucet assembly. The base of the stem incorporates a washer component that is responsible for the compressive seal of the faucet.
If the washer leaves black-colored stains on your fingers then it is the time to replace the old washer.
The guidance of an expert may prove helpful while determining the next move at any instance of the project.
