Plumbing involves the installation, maintenance and repair of piping, fixtures, and appliances that convey water, waste, or gas. This system ensures a reliable supply of clean water, protects against the backflow of polluted water, and provides adequate drainage systems.
This includes installing and repairing the pipes that carry waste to and from toilets, sinks, and other fixtures. It also involves inspecting and testing a building’s plumbing to ensure that it complies with local regulations. Contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for professional help.
A leaking faucet handle is more than just an annoying sound; it can also waste gallons of water and add to your water bill. Often, leaks are the result of loose components like washers or O-rings that need to be replaced. In addition, mineral deposits and corrosion can cause leaks in faucet handles. The good news is that a dripping faucet is a relatively simple problem to fix. With some basic tools and a little elbow grease, you can stop that drip-drip-drip and get back to enjoying your sink and home.
Begin by shutting off the water supply to your sink. Look for valves underneath your sink, or find the water shutoff on your main water line. Turn them clockwise to shut off the water.
Next, examine your faucet handle to determine how it is attached to the rest of the faucet. Some have decorative caps that need to be removed before you can remove the handle. Others have a set screw that you can unscrew with a wrench or pliers. If your faucet is double-handled, determine whether the hot or cold handle is leaking. You may only need to replace the cartridge on one side of the faucet, rather than both.
Once you have removed the handle, take the cover plate off of the faucet to reveal the valve stem. Use a pair of pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen the nut that holds the handle in place. Once the nut is loose, remove the handle and the decorative cap if necessary.
If your dripping faucet is caused by a worn-out rubber seat or a broken spring, replacing these parts should resolve the issue. These parts are cheap and easy to install, so don’t be afraid to tackle this project yourself.
If your dripping faucet is due to corrosion or mineral buildup, you can try removing and cleaning the handle with vinegar or an acidic cleaner. These will dissolve the buildup and lubricate the parts, making them easier to move. Alternatively, you can apply penetrating oil around the nut to help loosen it up. Then, using your pliers or wrench, you can unscrew the nut completely and remove it from the faucet.
Repairing Faucet Seats
A leaky faucet can waste water, money and your patience. The culprit is usually a worn-out valve seat, which no longer creates a tight seal and allows water to slip through. A quick repair can save you the expense of a new faucet and save you from a major headache.
Washerless faucets use either a cartridge, ball or disk-type valve to stop water flow when the handle is off. These devices rely on rubber gaskets that are part of the valve seat to stop leaks, but these can wear out or erode over time. If the seat itself is leaking, you will need to replace it with a new one — and you may also need to replace the washer or diaphragm.
If your leaking faucet is a ball-type, first shut off the water supply valves to the hose bib. Then remove the handle and escutcheon, and take apart the faucet. The seat is usually screwed into the bottom of the faucet body, and can be removed with a wrench. It is often a hexagonal or square shape, but some can be round with no slots. You can purchase a replacement faucet seat from a plumbing-supply store or home improvement center, and some come in kits with the other parts you need to repair the faucet.
A worn valve seat causes a leak because the brass has eroded, leaving a gap where water can slide through. To correct this, you can polish the brass with a faucet seat tool or “dresser.” The tool is inserted into the hole in the back of the hose bib to smooth out the worn surface. When you shine a flashlight through the faucet, the polished brass should look bright and clean. Avoid using the tool for too long or with too much pressure, as you can ruin the soft metal seat.
A replacement washer for a faucet is easy to find at most plumbing-supply stores. Some come in kits with the other parts you need, and some can be bought individually. When installing the new washer, make sure it is the correct style for your faucet. A swiveling washer (C) is preferable to washers A and B, because it closes with a straight-down action instead of rubbing against the valve seat, which can wear out or damage the seat.
Repairing Faucet Cylinders
Leaks from a faucet can occur for a variety of reasons. Some can be fixed by tightening loose components, while others require replacement of a larger component such as the valve stem or cartridge. Identifying the type of leak and performing timely repairs can keep your bathroom faucets functioning properly.
While a faucet may have multiple parts, the two most common types of leaks are caused by water valve stems and cartridges. Valve stems move when you operate the handle attached to them, opening and closing the valve to start and stop the flow of water. Wear and tear on these parts can cause them to leak, especially if you don’t perform regular maintenance and cleaning.
If you have a cartridge style faucet, the most likely problem is the valve seat. It is made of either brass or rubber and can wear out, causing a leak. A leaking valve seat can also be caused by pitting or damage to the surface due to prolonged use.
A more durable option is a compression faucet, which features a ceramic disk that sits in a round, recessed seat. These faucets have been around since the beginning of on-demand indoor plumbing and can be found in older homes as well as newer ones. While these faucets are considered more durable than cartridge faucets, they can still be prone to leaks and other problems.
The first step in repairing a leaky compression faucet is shutting off the water supply to the fixture by twisting the shut-off valve mounted below the sink. You should also plug the drain with a stopper or rag to prevent small parts from falling down the drain.
Using a utility knife, pry off the decorative cap on the faucet handle, exposing the screw. Remove the cap, and then unscrew the handle with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Pull off the handle, and then open the escutcheon cover with a screwdriver to expose the mounting screws for the valve stem assembly. Using pliers, grip the hex head of the valve stem assembly and screw it off counter-clockwise.
Repairing Faucet Heads
The faucet head, also known as the spout, is the part of your kitchen faucet that actually delivers the water. A clogged or broken one can affect your cooking and cleaning abilities. It can also waste water, leading to higher water bills. When it’s time to replace your kitchen faucet head, you can do so easily with the right tools and knowledge.
First, make sure the hot and cold water lines are completely turned off before attempting to remove your old faucet head. You’ll want to have a bucket nearby to catch any water that leaks out. Then, unscrew the hoses from the base of your faucet. You may need a wrench or pair of pliers to loosen the nuts that hold them in place.
Once the hoses are disconnected, use a pair of Channellock pliers to loosen the locking nuts that secure your faucet to the sink. Once these are loose, you can unscrew your faucet and lift it off of the sink. If your faucet has a pull-out head, you may need to disconnect the hose that controls this function as well.
When putting your new kitchen faucet head in place, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. They will tell you if plumber’s tape is required to create a tight seal. If it is recommended, wrap the threads of the water line connection two to three times with a piece of tape. Afterward, you should turn on your kitchen faucet to check for any leaks and ensure that the connection is tight.
You may also need to clean your old kitchen faucet head before installing the new one. This can help prevent a buildup of mineral deposits that causes a clogged or weak spray. Soak the spout and head in vinegar or a store-bought descaler to loosen and then scrub off any remaining dirt or debris.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your Grohe kitchen faucet, it’s important to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. Leaving these problems unattended can lead to extensive damage and even wood or mold growth.