Repairing a Leaky Faucet
Not only is a dripping faucet annoying, “drip, drip, drip” in the middle of the night. What makes it worse, if you think about it, it is dripping all day too, and all that dripping is costing you money. So, do you how to do a faucet repair yourself? Or do you need to call a plumber to repair faucet in shower, or the repair faucet in tub? Most of the time, a leaky faucet repair or replace the faucet is not that difficult. However, if you aren’t familiar with tools around the house, it could be challenging. Knowing the steps on how faucet repair follow, then calling a professional may be the best solution for you. Dial 661-201-6016 to connect with On Call Plumbing about faucet repair in Santa Clarita, CA today.
Why is my faucet dripping?
Faucets are an essential part of every home and it is important to keep them in working condition. A leaking faucet disturbs sleep, increases the water bill, and can lead to a catastrophe if not addresses.
The average cause for a leaky faucet is caused by corrosion from the mineral deposits on the internal parts like the O-rings, valves, or washers. A homeowner with a handful of the right tools and a general idea and knowledge can do most of the time about plumbing.
- THE O RING: The faucet handle is held in play by a stem screw that has an O-ring attached to it. A dripping faucet can often be from his area when that O-ring wears out over time because it doesn’t seal up when the handle is turned off. The faucet repair for this problem is simply to replace the O-ring will fix this.
- THE VALVE SEAT: A valve seat connects the faucet and spout at the compression mechanism. Here, water-sediment accumulates, causing it to corrode which doesn’t let it seal and the leaking begins. A regular cleaning of this can give it a longer lifespan and require less frequent faucet repair.
- THE WASHER: This is the most common cause of a dripping faucet. Each time you use the faucet, the washer and valve seat are forced together, creating a constant friction. That repeated friction causes the washer to wear out, and the faucet leaks. The faucet repair for this is simply replacing the worn-out washer.
- IMPROPER INSTALLATION: Often, when the faucet repair is replacing the washer, if it is installed improperly or the wrong washer size is used, the faucet will either not quit leaking or will start again soon.
How do I stop a leaky faucet?
A dripping faucet is a common household plumbing problem and is also the easiest faucet repair and the most neglected, next doing a regular roof inspection for your premium roofing, which if neglected, bigger problems can happen. The water supply is under pressure when it enters your home. When the faucet is off, a watertight seal is required to keep the incoming water back. A homeowner can do a faucet repair with the following steps:
- Step One: Cut the water supply off and remove the faucet handle at the main body unscrewing the screw located on the backside of the handle of on top under a metal or plastic disc.
- Step Two: Look at the faucet assembly and remove the packing nut, take care not to scuff the metal. Twist the stem out the same direction you turn the faucet on.
- Step Three: Remove screw that is holding the washer and replace it with new washer.
What are the parts of a faucet?
If you need to do a faucet repair, it is helpful to know the parts of the faucet:
- Gasket or O-Ring: These make the joints watertight and come in metal or rubber.
- Flanges: Also called an escutcheon and are installed behind the faucet to cover the hole where the pipe comes up.
- Adaptors and Aerators: These parts are attached to the faucet and alter the water flow to be more environmentally friendly.
- Controls, Handles, and Levers: These turn the faucet on and off.
- Stems: This part is attached to the sink and water flows from the end.
- Washers: Washers attach the aerator and faucet stem.
Can a handyman replace a faucet?
Yes, most handymen can do faucet repairs, not all plumbing repairs require a licensed plumber. An experienced handyman will know if a job is beyond his capacity and may refer your job to a licensed plumber.
How do you fix a spray in bathroom faucet?
A bathroom faucet spout is equipped with aerators that direct the flow of water. Mineral deposits and sediment collect inside the aerator and weaken the water flow. This causes the faucet to spray water around the edges and onto the vanity. This is a simple faucet repair with the following steps:
1. Wrap the faucet aerator with a rag then unscrew it with pliers using moderate pressure.
2. Scrub the aerator on all sides using an old toothbrush to remove loose debris and scaling.
3. Put the aerator in a bowl of white vinegar and let it sit overnight.
4. Replace the aerator, screwing by hand, careful not to over-tighten.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
The faucets in your home are crucial to your daily lifestyle, and it can also be a huge contributor to your water bill if you don’t do the needed faucet repair. If the job is more than you’re plumbing skills can do, it is worth the expense of a professional plumber. Connect with On Call Plumbing at 661-201-6016 about faucet repair for a Santa Clarita, CA property.