Leaking faucets is one plumbing problem that all of us are bothered by. While it may seem insignificant, it can lead to substantial water wastage and utility bills. For example, a slow drip (one drop per second) can waste almost 8 litres of water per day; a steady trickle, on the other hand, can waste up to 30 litres per day. Shocking, isn’t it?
This is why we must always respond immediately to leaky taps, and get them fixed. But do you need a professional plumber every time a tap leaks? Not necessarily. Expert support is always the best, but if you’re tight on budget, this guide can help you fix the problem in 10 easy steps.
First things first—
Step 1: Gather Required Tools
For fixing any plumbing problem, big or small, proper tools are crucial. Picking up the wrong tool can mess up the problem further. Here are the necessary tools and materials you need for mending a leaking faucet.
- Adjustable wrench
- Needle-nose pliers
- Flathead and Philips screwdrivers
- Replacement washers or O-rings
- Plumber’s tape
- A towel or small bucket to catch water
- Penetrating oil (if the tap is old or hard to disassemble)
You can buy or rent these items from any nearby hardware store or online retailer.
Step 2: Cut the Water Supply
If you don’t turn off the water supply, you risk flooding your sink area. So, make sure to locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise. If your sink does not have a designated valve, turn off the main water supply.
Step 3: Drain the Tap & Cover the Drain
Now, turn on the tap to drain any remaining water in the pipes. Place a towel or a small bucket underneath to catch any residual drips. Additionally, cover the drain with a plug or cloth to prevent losing small parts down the sink.
Step 4: Remove the Tap Handle
Most tap handles conceal a screw, often tucked under a decorative cap. To reveal it, take a flathead screwdriver and remove the cap. Once you’ve done that, grab a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the handle. If the handle is resistant, apply a touch of penetrating oil. Let it linger for a few minutes, then try again for a smoother release.
Step 5: Check the Adjustable Ring
Before we dive deeper, give the adjustable ring a quick glance. If it feels loose, grab a pair of needle-nose pliers. Tighten it up and see if that banishes the leak. While worn washers and damaged parts are leak culprits, a simple twist of the adjustable ring could be your quick fix.
Step 6: Extract the Cartridge and Check for Damaged Parts
When the adjustable ring remains stubbornly loose, it’s time for deeper digging. Remove the cartridge nestled beneath the handle to uncover the culprit.
First, grab a wrench and twist the nut on the adjustable ring counter-clockwise. Each turn brings you closer to answers. Once you have the cartridge out, scrutinise the components for signs of wear. The washer at the bottom often succumbs to age, leading to leaks. This may most likely be the cause, but keep an eye on the retainer ring too; it may be worn or damaged as well.
Step 7: Get Replacements
Gently unscrew the cartridge’s fastener, avoiding the temptation to strip it. Carefully remove the damaged washer or part and head to your local hardware haven for a replacement.
If you’re puzzled about which part to replace, bring the entire cartridge along. A friendly associate will help pinpoint the issue and find just what you need.
While you’re at it, consider bringing along the screws you’ve removed. If they’ve seen better days, it’s wise to pick up some fresh replacements too!
Step 8: Replace Effectively
It’s time to reassemble the cartridge and piece everything back together.
For an extra layer of leak-proofing, smear a thin ribbon of plumber’s putty along the cartridge’s base. This slick move creates a tight seal when you tighten the nut and reattach the handle.
Once again, it’s important to remember not to strip the screws, or your fixture might just refuse to seal properly.
Step 9: Put Back the Faucet
Now that you’ve replaced the damaged parts, you can reattach everything—handle, handle screw, and screw cover—to their original positions.
Step 10: The Final Check
The last step is to turn on the tap and verify if it’s working properly. If not, consider calling in a professional plumber in your area. The problem might be elsewhere.
Final Word:
Yes, leaky taps can be simple problems to fix most of the time. However, they may also indicate something bigger at times. So, do not second guess calling an expert plumber if the problem persists.
We, at SE Plumbing, are very thorough with our job. If you’re ever in need of a plumber, feel free to call us.