3 Tips To Repair Old Leaking Faucets In San Diego
A leaky faucet can be a severe nuisance, leading to sleepless nights and considerable water wastage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually. But if you’re dealing with an old leaking faucet, here are three practical steps to fix it yourself, saving both water and the cost of calling a professional plumber.
Identification And Preparation
The first step in repairing a leaky faucet is identifying the type of faucet you have, as different models require distinct approaches. Common types include cartridge, disc, and ball faucets, with compression faucets being a common variety of older models. Once identified, ensure you have the necessary tools and replacement parts at your disposal. Tools typically include a set of screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, and replacement parts specific to your faucet type.
Disassemble And Inspect
The next step involves disassembling the faucet to uncover the culprit of the leakage. Turn off the water supply to prevent a small repair from turning into a flooding catastrophe. Carefully remove the decorative parts of the handle knobs using a screwdriver. Underneath these, you’ll find a screw that mounts the handle to the stem. Unscrew, then gently remove the handle. After dismantling, inspect the internal components, looking for any signs of wear or damage that could be causing the leak.
Repair Or Replace
The final step is the actual repair process. If dealing with a compression faucet, often the issue is a worn-out washer. If so, remove the old washer and replace it with a new one that fits. For cartridge, disc, or ball faucets, a whole component replacement may be necessary if the cartridge or disc is worn out. When reassembling, be sure to secure all parts tightly, but avoid over-tightening which can lead to additional dmage.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Faucet Needs Repair Or Replacement?
If your faucet is leaking, has loose parts, makes unusual sounds, or has drastically reduced water flow, it needs repair or replacement. Try repairing using the steps above, but if problems persist, replacement may be the best option.
Can I Repair A Leaking Faucet Myself, Or Should I Hire A Professional?
Yes, you can repair a leaky faucet yourself using the steps mentioned above, as long as you’re comfortable with basic tools. However, if the damage is extensive or the repair is complicated, hiring a professional plumber may be the best choice.
How Often Should I Replace The Components Of My Faucet?
This greatly depends on your faucet type and water conditions. On average, faucet parts like washers or cartridges should be replaced every 3-5 years. However, this timeline may shorten with hard water or heavy usage.
Please call Frasers Plumbing at (619) 332-0275 for any and all of your plumbing needs.
Conclusion
Give Fraser Plumbing Inc. a call right away to learn more about how our experts can help with leak detection in San Diego, CA.