A leaky faucet can be a real nuisance, not to mention the added expense of wasted water. Fortunately, most faucet problems are easy to fix, and with a little know-how and the right tools, you can repair your faucet and save money on your water bill. In this guide, we will cover the basics of faucet repair, from diagnosing the problem to completing the repair.
Diagnosing the Problem
The first step in fixing a leaky faucet is to determine the cause of the problem. There are several common reasons why a faucet might leak, including worn out washers, damaged O-rings, corroded valve seats, and worn-out cartridges.
Worn Out Washers: One of the most common causes of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. The washer is a small, circular rubber seal that sits inside the faucet handle and is responsible for controlling the flow of water. Over time, washers can become worn or damaged, causing water to leak out of the faucet.
Damaged O-Rings: O-rings are small rubber rings that sit around the base of the faucet spout and prevent water from leaking out around the base of the spout. Over time, O-rings can become worn or damaged, causing water to leak out of the base of the spout.
Corroded Valve Seats: The valve seat is a small metal part that sits inside the faucet and provides a seal for the valve. Over time, valve seats can become corroded, causing water to leak out around the spout.
Worn-Out Cartridges: If you have a single-handle faucet, the problem may be a worn-out cartridge. The cartridge is a small metal part that controls the flow of water through the faucet. Over time, cartridges can become worn or damaged, causing water to leak out of the faucet.
Tools and Supplies
Before you begin your faucet repair, you will need to gather some tools and supplies. Here is a list of the things you will need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrench
- Replacement parts (washers, O-rings, valve seats, cartridges)
- Plumbing grease
- Teflon tape
Repairing a Leaky Faucet
Now that you have diagnosed the problem and gathered your tools and supplies, it’s time to repair your faucet. The following steps will guide you through the repair process:
Step 1: Turn off the Water
Before you begin your repair, you will need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. Look for the shutoff valve under the sink and turn it clockwise until the water supply is completely shut off.
Step 2: Remove the Handle
Next, remove the handle of the faucet. The method for doing this will depend on the type of faucet you have. If you have a single-handle faucet, you will need to remove the screw that holds the handle in place using an Allen wrench. If you have a two-handle faucet, you will need to remove the decorative caps on the top of each handle and unscrew the handles using a screwdriver.
Step 3: Remove the Stem
Once you have removed the handle, you will need to remove the stem of the faucet. The stem is the part of the faucet that controls the flow of water. To remove the stem, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut and then unscrew the stem from the faucet body.
Step 4: Inspect and Replace Parts
Once you have removed the stem, inspect the washer, O-ring, valve seat, or cartridge, depending on the problem you have diagnosed. If any of these parts are worn or damaged, replace them with new ones.