Many times, your home requires a a little home improvement. Many like to do things themselves but not sure where to turn. If you have a leaky faucet, this blog post is for you. Leaky faucets are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face, and also one of the easiest to fix. In just a few minutes, with only an Allen wrench or two and some plumbers tape, you’ll be able to make your kitchen sink spout like new again.
We outline 6 simple steps to help guide you through fixing your leaky faucet once and for all.
6 Steps to Repairing a Leaky Faucet
Step One: Locate the leak. The first thing you want to do is locate where your faucet is leaking from, and fix it as quickly as possible. This can be done by turning off water supply at the main valve under or behind your sink (usually located in a closet), then opening up all of the faucets to see which one is spouting water.
Step Two: Remove the faucet handle and escutcheon (the metal plate that covers the area where you turn on your faucet). Once you’ve found out where your leak is coming from, it’s time to fix it! First remove any screws along the handle, escutcheon and spout.
Step Three: Clean out any debris from around the stem of the cartridge. Underneath your faucet is a part called a “cartridge”. This piece controls when water comes out of your sink for both hot and cold water. Over time, mineral deposits can build up on this piece and cause it to leak.
Step Four: Replace a worn-out or broken washer with a new one. A worn out washer, like the one pictured above, will allow water to escape around its edges when turned on even if there is no visible sign of leakage. If you find that your old washer is worn out, simply replace it with a new one.
Step Five: Reattach everything in reverse order, including tightening all screws and bolts to ensure that it is secure. Make sure you fix the leak before putting back on your faucet handle and escutcheon plate!
Step Six: Turn on water supply to test if there are any leaks before replacing escutcheon and handle. Once you fix the leak, turn your main valve back on and open up all of your faucets again- make sure there is no more leakage!
What to Do if You are Unable to Repair the Leak Yourself
Overall this is a fairly common plumbing repair, while it may seem a little tedious to some, it is something you may be able to do yourself. If you have all the tools and parts for the faucet, it shouldn't take more than an hour to do yourself. The hardest part is getting the right components for your particular faucet and putting the tape on correctly.
No one really knows how valuable your time is, but you. These repairs could take a while if inexperienced or not really a technical person. Some like to tinker and get it done on their own. If you are having a hard time doing this or simply don’t want to waste your valuable time doing the repair yourself, and you would like little help from a professional plumbing service, give us a call at 630-323-7320.
Fred Ginke Plumbing is open 24 hours a day and here to serve you with all of your plumbing needs.
We provide quality24 hour plumbing services in Addison, Bedford Park, Bellwood, Berkley, Berwyn, Bridgeview, Broadview, Brookfield, Burbank, Burr Ridge, Cicero, Countryside, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Forest Park, Forest View, Glen Ellyn, Hickory Hills, Hinsdale, Hillside, Itasca, Justice, La Grange, Lisle, Lombard, Lyons, Maywood, McCook, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Oaklawn, North Riverside, River Forest, Riverside, Stickney, Summit, Villa Park, Westchester, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, Willow Springs, Willowbrook, and Wood Ridge.
Call us now for your plumbing needs at 630-323-7320