Leaky faucets, which can develop even in new houses, are wasteful and a nuisance. With a few simple tools, a leaky faucet can be repaired in less than an hour. Additional information can be found in DIY books sold at home improvement centers. Customer service representatives at home improvement centers can also provide instruction and help in selecting the correct replacement parts.
Every washerless and single-lever faucet model is a little different. When repairs are required, homeowners can purchase a repair kit for their model which includes instructions and the parts that generally will be worn. By replacing all the parts at once, the faucet should function for several years without needing further repair.
Most water faucets in houses today are compression-type units in which a washer is compressed over a pipe opening when the faucet is closed, thus closing off the water. All compression-type faucets may not look alike, but all are similar in their operation and repair.
1. The exact point where a leak appears on a faucet is a good clue to finding its cause:
- A spout drip is usually caused by a worn upper faucet washer or a corroded seat.
- Leaks at the stem result from a loose cap nut or worn cone or bonnet packing.
- A cap leak, or water oozing below the cap nut, indicates a worn bib or packing washer.
- A leak at the base of the faucet results from water seeping past a worn lower faucet washer.
2. To repair a leaky compression type faucet, use the following steps:
- Turn off the water supply at the valve nearest the faucet (for lavatories normally under the lavatory). Next, open the tap to drain the faucet.
- Remove the handle screw and lift handle off the spindle. Unscrew the cap nut. Use a protective cover of adhesive tape or a rag to avoid marring the finish.
- Unscrew the stem with finger pressure and lift it out.
- Remove the screw from the bottom end of the spindle. Scrape away all worn washer parts. Be careful not to damage the rim. Install a new washer. (Take either the old washer or the complete spindle unit with you to purchase the correct size and shape (flat or conical) replacement washer.) Double-check to make sure the replacement is like the worn washer. Ask for help if needed.
- Check the seat (which is located down inside the faucet) to make sure it is not pitted or rough. If the seat is scarred or rough, use a seat-dressing kit to grind the seat to a smooth finish.
- A leak at the stem usually means that the packing inside the cap nut needs replacing. To replacethe packing, pry out the old packing washer with a screwdriver. If a washer is used, replace it with a new one. If there is no washer, wrap the spindle tightly with "packing wicking." String can be used if commercial wicking is not available.
- Reassemble the faucet. Tighten the cap nut just enough to prevent leaking. Screwing the nut down too tightly causes rapid wear on the stem.
- Turn the shutoff valves to the on position and check the faucet for leaks.
A a mixing faucet is two separate units with a single spout.. Mixing faucets are used on sinks, bathtubs and laundry tubs. Repairs must be made separately on each faucet unit. Repairig a mixing faucet may look more complicated than a single faucet, but repairs are made in much the same way. Follow the same steps listed above; remember to turn off the water before beginning work!
Repairing Faucets Leaks
