Drip…drip…drip… A leaky faucet is not only annoying, it can also cost you a lot of money on your utility bills over time.
Dripping faucets may seem like an insignificant problem, but it can be a foreshadow to greater problems if left ignored. The silver lining is that there is a chance you will be able to fix the problem yourself by following our simple instructions below!
STEP ONE
The first step in tackling this leaky faucet job solo is to gather the necessary tools and equipment.
The usual suspect for a leaky faucet is when the washer or seat assembly needs to be replaced, as the faucet then cannot real a proper seal with enough strength to counteract the water pressure. To get started, you will most likely need to have:
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement washers and
- O-rings
- WD-40 or similar penetrating oil
*If you do not have these items handy, they can be found at any hardware store (such as The Home Depot, Rona, and Home Hardware) and are relatively inexpensive.
STEP TWO
Don’t get ahead of yourself and start disassembling your faucet right away unless you want to be greeted with a blast of water.
First, remember to TURN OFF THE WATER. The is probably the easiest (and the worst) mistake you could make in this project. Not only will you have a leaky faucet, you can also tack on some potential series water damage as well.
Make sure the water is completely shut off from the sink handles to the knobs controlling the main line. Make sure to test that the water is turned off by turning your taps before beginning.
STEP TWO
Replace the Washer/Seal. When the faucet is turned off, a washer falls into place that sits against the faucet seat and completely seals off the flow of water.
If the washer moves for any reason, it can result in a drip. Taking apart a faucet and repositioning the washer will do the trick more times than not. If the leak has been going on too long, you may need to replace the washer and seal altogether. After disassembling the faucet head, look at the washer and make sure that it fits perfectly back into its original position. If for some reason you find that it is warped, take the entire head in to a local hardware store and find a new washer.
Only a perfect match will work. When replacing the washer, make sure that it is material that can handle both hot and cold water. If not, your new washer will warp again and lead to the same problem if not worse in the not too distant future. If you are unsure of what kind of washer you need, you can contact RR Calgary and we will help determine what wash you need to get the job done right.
Replacing the O-ring
In many faucets, including cartridge and compression models, O-rings are installed within the handles to create a waterproof seal. When the O-rings become damaged or loose, that seal can break, causing a leak near the handle. If you have a leaking handle, try replacing the O-ring first - just make sure you buy the right size or the new part will be just as non-functional as the old one.
Replacing the Cartridge
Cartridge faucets can have one or two handles, so they're most easily distinguishable by how they feel to operate - turning the handle or handles is a bit smoother and easier than a compression or ball faucet. When cartridge faucets are dripping, it's often necessary to replace the entire cartridge valve within them. New cartridges are not usually more than $15 at most, depending on where you live, and they are relatively easy to install.
PRO TIP: Record your removal process, or simply set the objects aside in the order that they were taken. This will also help ensure that you put the faucet back correctly without introducing new problems in the process. Replace the washer and O-ring, as these are likely the source of your issue. These should be an exact fit into your valve seat. Once these are in place, rebuild your faucet and pat yourself not he back for a job well done.
STEP FOUR
Yikes… after all that hard work, your faucet is till leaking.
At least you learned something new, right? If your leaky problem persists, it is likely time fo a new fixture all together. Bathroom and kitchen faucets experience a lot of wear and tear over time, and a new faucet will start you off with on a fresh slate.
If you would like a second opinion before purchasing a new faucet, or if you feel like this problem is beyond self-repair, reach out to RR Calgary today for a free quote!
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