A dripping faucet is not only annoying it is also a waste of precious water. Most faucets are the washer type and can usually be repaired quickly and easily. The washers in a faucet can become cracked or brittle and will wear down from use. It is best to replace the washer as soon as you notice a small leak.
Even a small leak or drip can waste gallons of water a day. A leak can also cause permanent water spots and stains in your sink. There are many different types of faucets on the market today. However, most of them have the same basic parts and go together the same way. One of the main causes of leaks is the washer. The faucet will leak if the washer is not installed properly, the wrong size or from wear and tear.
The first thing to do before you even start is to make sure you turn off the water. Usually there is a shut off value under or near the sink you are working on. If you can’t find the shut off value you can shut off the water to the entire house.
The next thing to do is to remove the decorative cap that is on the faucet handle and then remove the handle. After you have done this you unscrew and remove the rod. The next step is to remove the screw that is holding the faucet washer in place. Once you have the washer off you can use it as a guide to find the right size for your faucet.
Once you have found and replaced the washer you can then reassemble the faucet. Then turn the water back on and you should have solved the problem. Fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively easy task to do. You will be saving money on your water bill and not wasting precious water.
Related posts: