Taking care of a leaky faucet right away is vital for you to avoid damage that comes from that water. You may want to try fixing a leaky faucet yourself, so today we’re sharing the steps involved to help you do just that. Remember, though, that if the job is too much for you to handle alone, we are here to help.
Here are the steps involved in fixing a leaky faucet:
Turn Off The Water Supply
Make sure your water supply is turned off before beginning the work by checking the handles over the sink and the fixtures underneath that control the water coming in from the main line.
Removed Handle
Remove any decorative parts of the handles using a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath each knob, there will be a screw that mounts the handle to the stem; you will unscrew this and then gently remove the handle with your flat-head. Using penetrating oil can assist in loosening it, allowing you to remove the faucet handle from the stem.
Loosen The Nut
Use your wrench to loosen the packing nut; from there you should notice the stem – remove that as well. Depending on the faucet, some stems pop right off, while others twist off from the valve. Check the removed parts for any damage.
Remove The Washer & O-Ring
You will find an O-ring and washer inside the valve seat; these could be the source of your issue. Remove the washer and put a replacement inside the seat; keep in mind that it is crucial to make sure your replacement washers and O-rings are an exact fit. Make sure to check the seat to see if the sides fit a cone-shaped or flat washer, and purchase the appropriate type. You may want to take the old O-ring to your local hardware store to verify the correct size. You can also buy a package including many different sizes of O-rings—sometimes it’s worth the extra cost.
Reassemble The Faucet
Carefully reassemble all the parts (in this order: washer/O-ring, stem, packing nut, screw, and handle). Slowly and gently turn the knob to test the running water and check to see if you have fixed your leaky faucet.
Inspect For Water Damage
Once you have determined that your faucet is correctly repaired, take precautions by inspecting your drywall and flooring for water damage, looking for buckling, discoloration, and unhealthy odors – which could mean mold has established itself in the damp area.
Here at Ascension General Contractors, we have the skills and experience needed to take care of repairs when you have plumbing issues. If you don’t find success at fixing a leaky faucet or have experienced damage from leaks in your plumbing system, we are ready to help with any related remodeling or reconstruction projects.
