A leaking faucet is one problem that many homeowners across Central Kootenay H, AB, can’t seem to avoid. However, regardless of how widespread the problem might be, it isn’t any less annoying. But a leaking faucet is more than a minor inconvenience.
You can lose up to 3,000 gallons of water per year if your faucet releases a drop per second. This means unnecessary additions to your water bill. Over time, the constant dripping can discolor fixtures and encourage mold growth.
In this post, you’ll learn how to fix a dripping faucet from the leading providers of faucet repair services in Central Kootenay H, AB.
Turn Off the Water Before You Get Started
You can’t fix any issues with a water fixture without first turning off the water supply. Otherwise, you’ll get yourself very wet or, worse, end up flooding your home. You can shut off the water from the designated fixture shut-off valve.
You can find the valve below the fixture or on the wall around it. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water and open the faucet to confirm. If you can’t find any shutoff valve for the faucet, turn off the water supply to your house from the mains.
Remove the Faucet Handle for Easier Access
From here onwards, the exact steps you take will depend on the type of faucet you have. If you have a standard faucet, you can remove the handle by opening the cap covering the screw on top of the handle and then using a star-head screwdriver to remove the handle.
Keep all the screws together because you’ll still need them again.
Take Out the Valve Stem for Easier Inspection
After you’ve removed the handle, you can see the faucet’s inner valve stem or cartridge. You’ll need to remove this part to properly inspect the faucet. This is one of the most important things you need to know when it comes to how to fix a dripping faucet.
Compression faucets typically have a brass valve stem you’ll need to unscrew. If you have a cartridge faucet, you can easily pull the cartridge out.
Inspect the Remaining Parts of the Sink to Figure Out the Cause of the Leak
After you’ve removed the faucet handle and the valve stem, you can carefully inspect the unit to find the parts you need to replace to stop the leak. Identifying the cause of the leak and fixing it can help cut your water bills by up to 10%.
Problems with the valve seats, washer or seals, O-rings, gasket, and even the cartridge can all cause your faucet to leak.
Valve seats can corrode over time due to prolonged exposure to water that has a high mineral content. Washers and seals can harden and lose their effectiveness due to the impact of regular exposure to water. O-rings can also crack after years of using the faucet and cartridges can wear out after a while.
All of these issues can cause your faucet to drip. Check the various parts carefully and make a note of which ones you’ll need to replace.
Visit a Hardware Store in Central Kootenay H, AB, to Shop for the Damaged Parts
After you’ve found the damaged parts, it’s time to replace them–this is the hardest part. Many people do not know how to fix a dripping faucet because they can’t identify these parts in the first place.
A good tip is to check the user manual for the fixture to confirm the labelling. Alternatively, you can check the parts of similar faucets online to identify what you need to replace.
If none of the above works, you can use a wrench to remove the faucet from the fixture. Take it to the hardware store and show it to a savvy attendant to help you identify the damaged parts.
Put Everything Back Together and Test the Faucet
With the new replacement parts on hand, you can complete the process by reassembling the faucet. Be careful to put all the parts where they should go and in the exact position they should be to avoid starting all over.
Upon completion of the process, turn on the water to check for any leaks.
Call High Point Plumbing to Fix Your Dripping Faucet in Central Kootenay H, Alberta
Now you know how to fix a dripping faucet on your own. However, the DIY approach may not work for everyone, and you can learn more in our essential guide to plumbing services. Do you need professional help with your leaking faucet in Central Kootenay H, AB? Call High Point Plumbing today to book an appointment.