Question

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Answer 1

A leaky faucet can be a nuisance, and it can also waste a lot of water over time. Here's a general overview of how to fix a leaky faucet:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink or behind the wall where the pipes are. Turn them clockwise to turn off the water.

Remove the handle. Depending on the type of faucet, you may need to remove a screw or a cap on the handle to access the inner parts. On some models, the handle may be able to be pulled straight off.

Identify the problem. Once you have access to the inner parts, you can try to identify the problem. Look for any worn or damaged parts, such as O-rings, washers or cartridges. These are the most common cause of leaks.

Replace the parts. If you have identified any worn or damaged parts, you will need to replace them. You can find replacement parts at a home improvement store or a plumbing supply store.

Reassemble the faucet. Once you have replaced the parts, you can reassemble the faucet by reversing the steps you took to disassemble it. Make sure everything is properly tightened, lined up and aligned.

Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. Turn on the shut-off valves and turn on the faucet to check for any leaks.

It's worth noting that, depending on the faucet brand, model or age, the repair process may be different. In such case, you may find videos or instructions online or consulting the manufacturer. If the leak persists even after trying these steps, It might be best to call a plumber.

Answer 2

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet is just a minor annoyance until it starts reflecting on your water bill. In a day, gallons of water are wasted, considering the number of droplets that a leaky faucet emits. Translate that amount to a month and you’ll be faced with stiff water expenses. Better fix your leaky faucet soon, so you can save your budget from unnecessary expenses and ultimately, save your community from running out of clean water.

Leaky Faucet Basics
A leaky faucet is often caused by loose or damaged washers. They are tasked to keep the water from flowing out, so a slight tear or a misplacement will allow droplets to escape. A pair of new washers should be ready as well as a head or flat head screwdriver. An object to block the drain is necessary if your faucet does not have a drain plug. You can use a rag to cover the drain. As for the washers, you can purchase them at all hardware stores.

Disassemble the Faucet
fixing faucetWhen fixing a leaky faucet, your aim is to replace the faulty washers, which requires disassembly. Look beneath the sink and turn the water supply knob clockwise, to switch it off. Plug the drain using the faucet’s plugging mechanism or cover it with a rug. Once done, use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the faucet handles in place. Sometimes the screws are covered with plastic caps. In this case, a flat screw driver with a thin end is needed to remove them. Take out the handles when the screws have been removed.

Replace the Washers
Upon removing the handles, get the old washers and replace them with new ones. Some faucets don’t have washers beneath the handles, so you might as well supply them with the little water stoppers. Make sure the new washers fit the slots, perfectly, otherwise, water will still seep out of your faucet.

Reassemble the Faucet
With the washers in place, return the handles, along with the screws and the caps. Unblock the drain then switch the water supply back on. If the leak persists, check the new washers for damage or how they fit their slots. If you don’t find anything wrong with the washers and the setup, your faucet may have a more serious problem. Better contact a plumber, in this case, since he has the right tools and knowledge for the job.

Simple, Easy, Fast
A leaky faucet, on normal occasions, should pose no threat. Fixing it is easy, in fact, you can do the job in less than an hour, with no plumbing skills necessary.