Leaky Faucet - What to Do

 Leaky faucets can be annoying, costly, and cause damage to your home. Luckily, they're relatively easy to fix, especially if you know what you're doing.

First, determine what type of faucet you have. This will help you make the necessary repairs.

1. Turn off the Water

If your faucet leaks, you'll need to turn off the water before doing any work. This is essential to prevent a flood, and it's also a safety precaution. Plumbers from Langley Plumbing Company are highly trained and experienced in handling these projects.

To do this, locate your home's main shut-off valve and turn it off. It may be found in a utility space near your home's exterior water meter.

2. Unscrew the Faucet

A drip doesn't seem like a big deal, but it adds to your water bill and creates a damp environment that promotes mould and mildew growth. It can also lead to more severe problems, such as damaged plumbing.

Start by unscrewing the decorative cap from each handle to fix a leaky faucet. Then place the parts in order, so they are organized when it comes time to reassemble the faucet.

3. Remove the Faucet Handle

Leaky faucets can be frustrating, but they're easy to fix if you know what to do. The first step is to remove the faucet handle.

If the handle is secure with a screw, use a compatible screwdriver to loosen it.

Next, locate the internal stem and the stem nut that holds it in place. Unscrew the nut and carefully pull out the stem.

4. Unscrew the Faucet Valve

Leaks can cause a lot of damage to your water system, and they can also waste a lot of Water. So, fixing a leaky faucet is a good way to save money and help the environment!

The first thing you'll need to do is unscrew the faucet valve. It's located underneath the handle.

5. Unscrew the Faucet Cartridge

Your faucet cartridge is a plastic cylinder with notches on the sides. This cylinder is attached to the valve's stem and contains a water-saving component that controls the temperature of the Water.

Many faucets have separate hot and cold cartridges, which can make it easier to remove and replace the old one with a new one. Generally, the cartridge is easy to spot and can be removed with pliers.

6. Unscrew the Faucet Cylinder

A leaky faucet may seem like a minor problem, but it could cost you money. It can also lead to severe damage to your plumbing system, including rust and corrosion.

The first step to fixing your leaky faucet is to unplug the Water from your tap. Once the Water is turned off, you can remove the decorative caps on each handle and access the internal components.

7. Remove the Faucet Seat

A bad valve seat is a common cause of leaking faucets. It's easy to repair a leaky valve seat using simple tools and supplies from the hardware store.

First, locate the stem and its nut. Then, use a wrench to loosen and remove the nut carefully.

8. Unscrew the Faucet Handle

Whether replacing your faucet handle or cleaning it up, knowing how to unscrew it can be a lifesaver. This will prevent you from having to call a plumber, and it also helps you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Not all faucet handles are screwless, but many have decorative caps that hide the screws. Removing these is easy with a flathead screwdriver.

9. Unscrew the Faucet Valve

When you're ready to start troubleshooting, the first step is to unscrew the faucet valve. This is easy on most faucets but may require some plumbing savvy for certain styles.

Once the valve is off, use two sets of pliers to hold it motionless and loosen the packing nut behind it by turning it counterclockwise. Don't overtighten it, as that could cause leaks.

10. Reassemble the Faucet

A leaky faucet can be irritating, expensive, and lead to mould growth and other health issues. But repairing or replacing your faucet isn't always as complicated as you think.

In most cases, fixing your leaking faucet is as easy as taking it apart and reassembling it. Just make sure to set all the parts aside in their correct order before you reassemble them.