A dripping faucet can be more than just a nuisance. Not only will it waste water, but it can also drive up your water bill. Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to fix a leaking faucet. In this article, we’ll show you how to fix a leaky faucet in just a few simple steps.
Supplies You Will Need
If your faucet is leaking, don’t panic! This is a common problem that can be fixed relatively easily. First, you’ll need to gather some supplies. You’ll need a sponge, a wrench, pliers, leak-proof sealant, and a towel. Once you have all of your supplies, follow these simple steps to fix your leaking faucet.
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- Sponge
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- Wrench
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- Pliers
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- Leak-proof sealant
- Towel
Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step to fixing a leaking faucet is to turn off the water supply. This will prevent any further damage from occurring and will make the repair process much easier. After the water supply is shut off, take a look at the faucet to identify where the leak is coming from. Once you know where the leak is, you can begin to fix it.
Remove the Handle Knob
Unscrew the knob from the stem using a head screwdriver. Once the handle knob is off, you should be able to see a small set screw. This set screw is what secures the handle to the stem, so you’ll need to remove it before proceeding.
With the handle and set screw removed, you should now be able to pull the stem out of the faucet body. Be careful when doing this, as there may be a small washer or O-ring attached to the end of the stem. These components are crucial for stopping leaks, so make sure not to lose them!
Now that you have access to the inner workings of the faucet, it should be easy to identify where the leak is coming from. If you see any cracks or damage, that’s likely the source of the leak. In most cases, however, leaks are caused by worn-out washers or O-rings.
Remove the Stem
Next you should do is remove the stem. This will allow you to access the internals of the faucet and make any necessary repairs. Use a wrench or pliers to remove the screw that holds the stem in place. With the screw removed, you should be able to pull the stem out by hand. Once the stem is removed, take a look at the O-ring and see if it is damaged. If so, replace it with a new one before reassembling the faucet.
Replace the O-Rings and Washer
O-rings and washers are relatively easy to find and replace, and doing so will usually fix a leaking faucet. Disassemble the faucet by taking off the handle, then the escutcheon (the metal plate that covers the hole in your sink), and finally the packing nut. If they’re damaged or worn, simply replace them with new ones. Reassemble your faucet, turn on the water supply, and test out your new faucet!
If your faucet is leaking and nothing seems to work, please call your Plumber Sydney. A seasoned plumber Sydney can help you fix the leaking faucet in not time. Should you have further queries, please call your plumber Sydney. For more information on plumbing system maintenance, please read our article: Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing Systems.
