You likely aren’t alone if you’re having issues with your faucet. Leaky kitchen faucets are all-too-common plumbing problems that can leave a huge mess behind. And if you’ve got leaky faucets in more than one location, you’re looking at a lot of work.
You likely only have a few skills under your belt for how to fix a leaky faucet. But you have the desire to fix it.
If so, you’re in the right place. Our guide is here to show you how to tackle any faucet problems. Keep reading to learn more.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Before attempting to fix a leaking faucet, it is essential to make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools. Start by getting the manuals for the tap, as they should explain the required parts and instructions on how to repair the faucet.
You will need an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, a flathead screwdriver, Teflon tape or plumber’s putty, a replacement part, and an Allen wrench. Additionally, you may need particular valve stem and bonnet pieces for specific faucet models.
Once you have gathered all the necessary tools, you can repair the faucet. Turn off the water to the sink, disassemble the faucet, and inspect the parts for any damage or visible problems. Once all that is done, use the replacement parts to replace the damaged pieces or tighten any loose connections.
How Do You Fix a Dripping Faucet
Fixing a dripping faucet can be a simple and cost-effective DIY project. The first step is to know what kind of faucet you have. There are ball, cartridge, ceramic disk, and compression faucets; each type requires a different solution.
Here’s a list of the different kinds of faucets and how to fix them.
Faucet Cartridge
To begin, turn off the water supply to the faucet from the shutoff valves, and then use a Philips-head screwdriver to remove the handle and spout. Remove the cartridge retaining sleeve and remove the old washer and cartridge. Examine the new washer and ensure it fits appropriately in the faucet slot; replace it if necessary.
Install the new cartridge carefully, sliding it in from the top and pushing it down until it locks. Insert the new retaining sleeve and replace the handle with a Philips-head screwdriver. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If any leaks are found, tighten the handle screws and recheck.
Compression Faucet
A compression faucet is standard in the bathroom or kitchen and can begin to leak due to normal wear and tear. First, shut off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the tap’s handle and the screw located just behind it.
Please take out the stem and any washer or seal associated with it. Once these pieces are out, you must take them to a plumbing supply store to try and find the exact proper replacements. Purchase any new parts necessary, and then reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly.
Ceramic-disk Faucet
Fixing a ceramic disk faucet is a relatively easy task. First, turn off the water supply to your faucet and place a bucket below to ensure any extra water that may come out is caught. Then, remove the decorative handle of the tap, and using a small flathead screwdriver, remove the center screw.
Lift the handle off, and you will see the ceramic disc. Loosen the hex nut and remove the ceramic disc from the faucet. Clean the parts with a soft cloth, replace the disc, and attach the handle after re-tightening the screw. Turn on the water supply and test the ceramic disk faucet. If it doesn’t work correctly, turn off the water supply and adjust the ceramic disc until the water pressure is restored.
Ball-type Faucet
You will need a few essential tools to repair a ball-type faucet, such as a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench, and pliers. Begin by turning off the water supply to the faucet. Next, use the screwdriver to remove the handle. Under the handle, you’ll find the ball, which consists of a metal sphere held in a metal case.
Under the case, you’ll find a cam and packing, which control the water flow. Use the wrench to remove the case from the faucet. Check the cam and pack for damage or wear; replace them if necessary. Finally, reassemble the faucet by following the opposite steps of disassembly.
Home Fixes vs. Professional Assistance
If a homeowner notices that a faucet is leaking, it is essential to assess the severity of the leak. If the leak is minor and easy to access, it can often be fixed with household tools. Ensure the water supply to the faucet is turned off, you can tighten the valve, and the rubber washer at the bottom can be replaced if necessary.
Homeowners can also contact a professional plumber to address the issue. It is typically a more costly path, but skilled plumbers have the necessary tools and experience to locate the leak and repair it correctly. If you are in the Wichita area, it’s best to contact a Wichita plumber to prevent the hassle of extended travel times.
It is important to remember that attempting home fixes without the proper experience or tools can cause further damage or potentially dangerous situations. So, it may be wise to go with professional assistance sometimes.
Fix a Leaky Faucet Now
Checking and replacing parts, utilizing plumber’s tape, and assessing the valve seat are all essential steps in fixing a leaky faucet. While it may be difficult, it’s beneficial in the long run and can save time and money.
Now you know how to repair a leaky faucet – try it out and see how calming it is to have a fixed faucet again. Did you learn something from this article? Then make sure to browse our blog for more reads like this.
