Real Estate Innovation

Steps on How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

It is very crucial for you to learn how to fix a leaky faucet nowadays, especially with the high costs of getting a plumber, and with the nuisance that a leaking faucet brings. Now there’s no need for you to call a plumber and go through shock after shock upon receiving the high billing. Just go through these easy to follow and simple steps and you’ll be fixing that annoying leaky faucet in no time.

Learning how to fix a leaky faucet can be very easy. All you need are the right tools and materials. For this specific project, you will be needing a new washer (preferably the one that suits the faucet that you have at home), some rags, a wrench and a screwdriver (Philipps and flathead, depending on the screws).

There are some things you should do before you start pulling your faucet apart. First, you should shut off the main water supply by shutting off the control valve. This can be found somewhere along the pipes under the sink. Turn the level or handle of the valve counter clockwise to switch it off.

Aside from that, make sure you plug up the drain with some rags. This is to avoid small parts like screws and washers from going down the drain.

After that is done, you can then begin fixing the leaky faucet. But, keep in mind that these steps are applicable only to conventional faucets. Unconventional faucets might be more complicated and might require you specific repair kits. There are no specific steps since it could vary with every type of faucet you have.

1. Under the handle, there is a nut where the faucet stem is joined to the water pipe. Use your wrench and twist the nut loose to remove it (counter-clockwise direction). With it, also turn the handle counterclockwise to take it off.

2. Once you have detached the handle, you will see a rubber-like washer that is held down by a screw. This washer is probably very old and falling down to pieces, which could be the reason why your faucet is leaking in the first place. Remove the old washer by unscrewing it, and then install the new washer. Remember that the new washer’s size should just be similar to that of the old washer. Tighten the screws on the new washer to secure it in place.

3. Reassemble everything. Replace the faucet handle (turn it clockwise), and tighten back the stem nut to its original location.

4. After that, you can do the checking. Turn the water supply on and check whether the faucet still leaks. If it still leaks, you should probably tighten the screws more. Or, it could be that the faucet itself is defective, and not the washer. And if you think you really need it, seek professional help. Admit defeat and call a plumber.

That’s it! Those are the very easy to understand and simple steps you have to follow in order for you to learn how to fix a leaky faucet. Once you follow these steps, you will never have to call a plumber ever again. You won’t have to endure annoying dripping sounds, face nasty sink stains caused by long-standing drips, and think of water wastage caused by the constant dripping. Just learn these uncomplicated steps by heart and you will always be prepared in times of leaking faucets.