Faucet leaks are among the most common plumbing issues that you’ll face as a homeowner. What you have to remember is that it’s vital that the leak is stopped right away. You see, every drop of water that flows out of the fixture contributes on your monthly water bill. Aside from that, you surely do not want to further any damage on your property, worsen the leak or create more plumbing issues. If you want to get tips on how a leaking faucet is fixed, read on!
Compression-Type Faucet
When fixing a compression-type faucet, the handle/s of the fixture must be removed first. This will be done by getting rid of the decorative cap and then removing the screw underneath. After that, a wrench will be used to remove the nut. The stem will be uncovered and should then be pulled out. The O-ring, a thin washer, as well as a seat washer should be checked if they are damaged. If the handles are where the leak comes from, the O-ring should be replaced. Now the seat washer should also be replaced to ensure efficiency. Before the installation of the new seat washer, it should first be coated in plumber’s grease. The O-ring will be installed and then the faucet stem. The stem will be secured with the screw once again and the faucet handles will be put back into place.
Ball-Type Faucet
The screw should be removed off the handle. Afterward, the faucet handle should be carefully lifted and then set aside. With the use of a pair of pliers, the faucet cap and collar will be removed as well. The same goes with the faucet cam, faucet washer and the ball. Afterward, the inlet seals and springs will be removed. If it won’t budge, a pair of needle-nose pliers will do the trick. The O-ring should be replaced but before the installation, the new one should be coated in plumber’s grease. After the O-rings, put the new springs, valve seat and faucet cam washers in place. All these parts will come in a ball-type faucet repair kit. Lastly, the handle should be re-assembled and screwed.
Cartridge Faucet
Again, the faucet handle should be removed in the same manner as the other two types of faucet. However, if there’s a retaining clip in there, it should be removed as well because it usually secures the cartridge. Once done, the cartridge should be carefully pulled out. The faucet spout will be removed in order to uncover the O-rings. If the O-rings are damaged, they must be replaced. Again, plumber’s grease is vital. After the installation of the new O-rings, the faucet handle should be re-assembled. Don’t forget to run the faucet and check for signs of leaking just to ensure that the issue has been resolved.
We hope that you learned how to repair a leaking faucet through our blog today. If the problem persists, just call the most reputable Davidsonville plumbers. Plumbers 911 Washington DC provides local emergency plumbing services in Davidsonville MD including faucet repair, leak detection, plumbing fixture repair, plumbing appliance installation, home remodeling and many more! Call us now at (877) 932-5325 to schedule a service!
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