5 CAUSES OF LEAKY FAUCETS

There are far more causes of dripping faucets than you might think. The following are the top five causes:

A BROKEN CARTRIDGE

You have a cartridge-style faucet if it has two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. Each handle has a cartridge, which is a valve that controls the flow of water into the faucet spout. If your faucet is dripping, it is a sign that the cartridge has been damaged.

WASHERS ARE BROKEN

Broken washers are a common cause of a leaking faucet. Washers rest against the valve seat, and friction can cause the washers to wear out over time. This results in leaking. If a washer is the wrong size or is not properly installed, , it can also lead to leaking.

PRESSURE OF WATER

If you notice that your bathroom faucet only drips water at certain times of the day or when your faucet’s handles move in a certain way, it’s possible that your home’s water pressure is causing the leaks.

O-RING THAT DOESN’T WORK

The sink’s faucet contains an O-ring. It is a small disc attached to the stem screw that holds the faucet handle in place. O-rings, like washers, can wear out or become loose. This is most likely the source of a leaking faucet handle.

VALVE SEAT DETERMINATION

If your faucet is leaking from the spout, the valve seat could be the culprit. The valve seat is the piece that connects the faucet to the spout. Sediment can accumulate and corrode the seat, resulting in a leak.

HOW TO REPAIR A LEAKING FAUCET

You can save money by repairing a leaky faucet yourself. Follow these steps to become your own repairman and emergency plumber mansfield —or repairwoman:

TURN OFF THE WATER

Turning off the water is one of the most important steps in repairing a leaking faucet. You may end up flooding your bathroom if you do not turn off the water to the sink. Look for the fixture shutoff valves beneath the sink and turn the handles clockwise to turn off the water. Turn off the main water supply for the house if your faucet does not have a shutoff valve. Turn on the faucet to ensure that the water is turned off. If no water comes out, you’ve done your job.

REMOVE THE FAUCET HANDLES

The method for removing the handles of a dripping faucet varies depending on the type of fixture. For standard fixtures, remove the caps on top of the handle with a flathead screwdriver to reveal the handle screws. Remove the handles by unscrewing these.

REMOVE THE VALVE STEM

When the faucet handle is removed, the inner valve stem or cartridge is visible. This must also be removed. The brass valve stem on compression faucets can be unscrewed. Cartridge faucets can be removed completely. If you get stuck, consult your faucet’s manual or look up instructions online.

INSPECT THE SINK’S PARTS

After you’ve removed all of the parts, carefully inspect them to determine what needs to be replaced to fix the leaking faucet. Rubber washers, O-rings, and seals should be visible.

REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS

Replace any parts that are old, worn out, or damaged. Locate the necessary parts at your local hardware store. The best and simplest way to get the right parts for your dripping faucet is to take the old ones to a hardware store and request exact duplicates.

HYDRATE THE VALVES

After you’ve removed the stem or cartridge, inspect the valve body. Mineral buildup is common in most cases. Pour white vinegar over the valve seat and soak it for a few minutes to clean it. Then scrub it away, followed by a thorough scrub of the rest of your sink to restore its shininess and smoothness.

ASSEMBLE THE FAUCET

Reassemble the faucet after you’ve received the new replacement parts and cleaned everything. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.