How to Stop a Leaky Faucet
More often than not we only notice leaks in our bathroom and kitchen sinks, but they can occur in your shower heads and garden hose hook-ups as well. Leaky faucets are quite wasteful, so it’s important to watch out for them throughout your home. If you do encounter one, here are some simple ways to stop the leak!
1: Check for Loose Fixtures
The pieces that make up any type of fixture can become loose if used frequently enough. For a faucet, this is normally the adjusting ring and packing nuts. The thing to look for with loose fixtures is water leakage from the handle of the faucet. If you notice this happening, bust out the household toolkit and tighten the rings and packing nuts to fix the problem. If you still see leaking, it may be time to replace those parts.
2: Ensure Washer is in Good Condition
Arguably the most common culprit behind a leaky faucet, you will want to be on the lookout for worn out washers. Every time you turn on your faucet, the washer is pushed up against the valve, which creates friction. Much like loose fixtures, it’s just a matter of time before the washer will need to be replaced. If you notice dripping around the spout of the faucet, this is most likely the problem. Be sure to replace your washer as soon as possible if you notice this happening. Your local plumbing supply store should have washers aplenty for you to select from.
3: The ‘O’ Ring
For regular sink faucets, the handle is attached with a stem screw and an ‘O’ ring. This ring is what you see at the base of the faucet. If this ‘O’ ring ever becomes loosened or damaged it will begin to leak water. More often than not, this simply happens with regular usage. If you see water leaking out of the handle of the faucet specifically, you will know that this piece needs to be replaced. Once again, your local plumbing supply store should have replacement parts for you to grab.
4: Check the Plumbing
If it’s not the loose fixtures, washer, or ‘O’ ring, than you may be looking at a problem with the plumbing. While rare, pipes that break can lead to increased water pressure. The result is more often than not a leaky faucet. The only way to be sure that this is what you’re dealing with is to contact the pros for a plumbing inspection. If you kick-the-can down the road with these problems you may be looking at a more serious plumbing disaster in the future, so don’t procrastinate!
There’s no need to fret over a leaky faucet. Once you know what kind of a problem you’re dealing with, it can make fixing it a whole lot easier. Be sure to contact the experts at SameDay Heating & Air with any concerns. Our professional team of technicians can inspect your plumbing with accuracy and efficiency. To learn more, or schedule and appointment, give us a call (801) 726-3329.
