in

Fix a Leaking Faucet in 6 Simple Steps

Many homeowners ignore leaking faucets until it turns into a steady stream. They think that they are saving money on a plumber call-out, but instead, all the wasted drops add up, ending up costing more in the end. However, you don't necessarily need to call a plumber to handle your leaking faucet. Today, we're going to show you how, with some basic plumbing and DIY experience, and a few common tools and materials, you could quickly and efficiently stop a leaking faucet.

We at Anta Plumbing, recommend that you handle a leaking faucet as soon as you notice it. Even the littlest amount of dripping under the sink, or the annoying drippety-drip that keeps you awake at night can quickly become more than just a nuisance. In fact, it could become a big problem if not addressed in a timely manner.

Use our simple steps below to put your leaky faucet to a stop quickly and inexpensively.

What You'll Need:

● wrench and an adjustable wrench.
● Flathead or Phillips screwdriver.
● Penetrating oil.
● Replacement O-rings and washers.

Step 1: Turn off the mains


Don't forget to first turn off the water at the mains before you apply a screwdriver or wrench to the fixture. Also turn off the shut-off valves for the sink, and have a bucket and old towels handy to absorb any water that comes out.

Step 2: Remove the pretty bits


Many faucets have decorative parts attached to the handlebars or knobs. You can remove these using a flat head screwdriver. You will find screws that mount the knob handle to the stem. Gently unscrew this before removing the handle using your flat-head screw-driver. If it is stuck, use penetrating oil to loosen it, making it much easier to take the handle off the stem.

Place each part you remove in the right order on an old towel. This will make it easier to replace it correctly later.

Step 3: Loosen the Packing Nut


You can use the wrench to loosen the nut and expose the stem, which you should also remove. Some types of stems pop right off the faucet, while you need to twist others off from the valve. Be vigilant for any damage to parts.

Step 4: Inspect the O-ring


Look inside the valve seat to ensure that everything is intact, as that could well be the reason for the leak. Remove the washer and replace it with a new one. O-rings and washers should fit perfectly in order for it to work correctly.

It is a good idea to purchase the correct type, whether it is flat or cone-shaped. Your local hardware store will be able to supply you with the right size, or for a few bucks extra, you can buy a kit with several types of O-rings in different sizes.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

Replace each part in the order in which you removed it, firstly the washer or O-ring, then the stem, the packing nut, the screw and finally, the handle.

Step 6: Test

Gently turn on the faucet to test and ensure that the water is running. When you close it, you should be able to see whether the leak is fixed.

A faucet that continues to leak even after you have followed the steps above, could mean that there is corrosion in the valve seat. Loose parts, worn-out seals, or broken plumbing could also be to blame. If you can't find the source of the trouble, it might be time to call your Anta Plumbing.

What do you think?

Written by Anta

Best Practices for Bathroom Renovations

Feeling Sick All the Time? Poor Plumbing Could be to Blame!