How To Fix A Leaky Faucet
There is no other way to express a leaky faucet other than it is annoying. The constant dripping sound is enough to drive even the most sane person mad. On top of that, the continuous water usage can add up on your water bill if it goes on for long enough.
You can fix your faucet yourself, or if you find that you have bitten off more than you can chew with the repair, a skilled professional with Anytime Plumbing could be the solution for you.
A Look Inside A Faucet
Taking on your kitchen or bathroom faucet may not seem like a huge task, until you get to the inside of it. Understanding the different parts of your faucet can make all the difference when you are trying to fix a leak.
- Aerator
- The aerator is a small mesh screen that acts as a way to splice the water and add air to it. Using an aerator reduces the amount of water being used without compromising the water’s pressure.
- Spout
- The spout is the most commonly recognized anatomical part of a faucet. This is the part that the water flows through and out of.
- Handle
- The handle is what turns the water flow on and off.
- Valve
- To control the temperature and water flow, there is a valve that is inside the faucet. Valves are made of plastic or metal, but they can become damaged if they come in contact with debris in the water system.
- Body
- The body of the faucet is where the hot and the cold water is mixed before coming out of the spout.
- Mount
- The mount is the part of the faucet that is attached to the sink. This is the base of the spout.
- Gaskets
- Also known as o-rings. Gaskets are placed around the various connecting points of a faucet to create a watertight seal.
- Washer
- A washer is commonly used to attach the aerator to the spout.
Now that you know the anatomy of the faucet, you can begin to investigate why it may be leaking.
Reasons a Faucet Leaks
There are so many reasons that a faucet can leak. An older faucet may have just reached it’s limit and need to be replaced. Other times a small part may have become worn and need to be replaced. Figuring out the reason it is leaking is the first step to knowing how to fix it.
O-Ring Problems
Gaskets and O-rings are an integral part of the composition of a faucet. These are used to help create watertight seals at the connecting points on the faucet. This is often one of the most vulnerable spots for a leak to occur.
The integrity of an o-ring can be broken down over time with regular usage. Just like anything else that gets used repetitively, the components can break down. These can be simple to replace with the right knowledge and tools.
Corrosion and Mineral Accumulation
The valve seat can often be affected by corrosion. The valve seat is the part of the faucet that connects the faucet and the spout. Accumulations of mineral deposits can often cause corrosion. If the corrosion gets bad enough, it can eat at the parts of the faucet that are affected, like the valve seat.
Worn Washer
Every time a faucet is used, the washer is forced against the valve seat. This friction can cause the washer to wear out. When a washer wears out, it’s like a worn o-ring, it can cause a leak to occur. Rubber washers can be easily replaced if they are found out to be the cause of the leak.
Improper Installation
If you have tried to fix your faucet in the past, with no success, it is often because of improper installation. The O-rings have to be installed just right and have to be the correct size. If you find that this could be the problem after trying to fix your leaky faucet yourself, it might be time to call a professional in to take care of the problem.
Basic Faucet Repair Tips
If you have never attempted to fix your faucet in the past, be advised that it can be a trial and error process. If you have the patience, you may be able to accomplish the task you are setting before yourself. If you are not, there is no shame in giving Anytime Plumbing a call to get your faucet fixed by professional plumbers.
Determine the Origin of the Leak
Before you turn the water off to fix the faucet, you need to determine the origin of the leak. Different parts of the faucet will require a different type of fix. Once you have determined the source, you need to turn off the water.
To turn off the water, you should locate the shut-off valve below the sink. There should be one for the hot water and one for the cold water. If there are no valves that you can see, you may have to turn the water off at the main water valve to your home.
Disassembly and Reassembly
After you have the water off, the time has come to take apart your faucet. Make sure that you pay close attention to how it comes apart. If you reassemble it incorrectly, it can cause you even more problems.
After it is disassembled, the time has come to clean the parts. A lot of times, sediment will build up at the aerator and need to be cleaned out. Use vinegar to loosen mineral deposits. After you have cleaned and replaced any parts that need to be replaced, put the faucet back together.
Turn the water back on and investigate the work you have accomplished.
Calling For Back-Up
If you find that your reassembly and parts replacement did not correct your leaky faucet problem, call Anytime Plumbing to come to the rescue. Anytime Plumbing has a highly skilled staff that can replace and resolve your leaking faucet problems in a matter of minutes.
Don’t let your leaky faucet get you down, call the professionals to get your tap up and running.
