Have you ever noticed that when you go to turn on the water for a shower or a sink, the flow of water is uneven? It might be really slow, or really fast. This is the sign of a dripping faucet. If you have a leaky faucet, the whole handle may just fall off. You should call a plumber if this happens, but in the meantime, there are steps you can take to fix it by yourself. Follow these three easy steps to stop those leaks!
What Causes a Faucet to Drip?
There are a few reasons that might cause your faucet to drip. The first thing you should check is the washer. Over time, washers can become worn and no longer provide a tight seal. This can cause water to seep through, resulting in a drip. Another possibility is that the O-ring, which is located under the handle, has become damaged or dislodged. This too can allow water to escape, causing a drip. If you’re not sure what’s causing your faucet to drip, it’s best to call a plumber for help.
How Do You Fix a Dripping Faucet?
The most likely cause of a dripping double-handle faucet is a problem with the washer. The washer is located under the handles, and it’s what seals the water in the faucet so it doesn’t leak. Over time, washers can wear out and need to be replaced. You’ll know it’s time to replace the washer when you see water leaking from around the handles or dripping from the spout.
To fix a dripping double-handle faucet, you’ll need to:
- Turn off the water to the faucet by shutting off the valves under the sink.
- Remove the handles of the faucet to access the washers.
- Replace the Washers – Take note of which way the old one was facing before removing it, so you can put in the new one correctly. Be sure to use the plumber’s tape on threads before screwing on new handles.
- Turn on Water Supply – Open up both valves slowly to let any air out of the lines before turning them on all of the ways. Test your faucet by running water through it to check for leaks.
How To Fix a Leaky Cartridge Faucet:
If your double handle faucet is leaking from the spout, it is likely due to a broken or damaged cartridge. Cartridges are the small, cylindrical parts that control the flow of water in your faucet. Over time, they can become worn out or clogged, causing your faucet to drip.
To fix a leaking cartridge faucet, you will need to replace the damaged cartridge with a new one. This is a relatively easy repair that can be done in a few minutes with just a few tools.
- Begin by shutting off the water supply to your faucet. This is usually done by turning the valves under your sink clockwise until they stop.
- Once the water is shut off, remove the handle of your faucet. There is usually a small setscrew on the underside of the handle that needs to be removed before the handle will come off.
- With the handle removed, you should now be able to see the cartridge inside your faucet. Use a pair of pliers to remove it from the body of your faucet.
- Take your old cartridge with you to your local hardware store so you can find an exact replacement. Install the new cartridge in your faucet and reassemble everything in reverse order.
- Turn on the water supply and test out your new cartridge by turning on both handles of your faucet
How To Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet:
If your compression faucet is leaking, there are a few things you can do to fix it. The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to the faucet. Next, remove the handle of the faucet and use a wrench to loosen the packing nut. Once the packing nut is loose, remove the stem and replace the washer. Be sure to put the washer on correctly so that it will create a tight seal. Once the washer is in place, reassemble the stem and handle and turn on the water supply. Test your faucet to see if it is still leaking. If it is, you may need to replace the O-ring or seats and springs.
How To Fix a Leaky Ceramic Disk Faucet:
If you have a ceramic disk faucet that is leaking, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, try tightening the packing nut underneath the handle. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the O-ring or washer inside the valve body. To do this, you will need to remove the handle and unscrew the retaining nut that holds the valve in place. Once you have access to the valve, simply remove the old O-ring or washer and replace it with a new one. Be sure to use plumbers’ grease when installing the new O-ring or washer to ensure a tight seal.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Ball-Type:
If your faucet is leaking from the spout, the problem is most likely with the ball. The ball is responsible for controlling the flow of water through the faucet, and over time, it can become worn out or damaged. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet ball is a relatively easy process that you can do yourself in just a few minutes.
To fix a leaky faucet ball, you will need:
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A flathead screwdriver
- A replacement ball (available at most hardware stores)
- Plumber’s putty (optional)
1. Begin by shutting off the water supply to your faucet. This will prevent any further damage to your faucet and help you avoid making a mess while you work.
2. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle in place. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull off the handle. If the handle is stubborn, try using a flathead screwdriver to pry it loose.
3. With the handle removed, you will be able to see the ball inside the valve housing. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the old ball from its seat. Be sure to clean out any debris or build-up that may be present before installing the new ball.
4. Once you have installed the new ball, apply a small amount of
For Faucet Repair and Installation in Toronto call Plumber To Your Door
If you’re in Toronto and you need faucet repair or installation, call Plumber To Your Door. We’re the city’s leading plumbing company, and we’re here to help you with all your faucet needs. We specialize in faucet repair and installation, and we’re proud to offer our services to Toronto residents. Our team of licensed and insured plumbers are experts in all types of faucet repairs and installations, and will ensure the job is done right the first time. Call us today at (866) 306-2080 to schedule a consultation.