Drip, drip, drip. That leaking faucet is doing more than just driving you nuts.
Leaky faucets dripping at a single drip per second can wastage about 3,000 gallons or more water per year. Every drip contributes to water waste. Considering today’s environmental state, we need all the natural resources we can get.
Luckily, learning how to fix a dripping faucet doesn’t always require an expert. In fact, with a few simple tweaks, you may be able to take care of the situation on your own.
How to Fix a Dripping Faucet: Step-By-Step
Whether it’s in the shower or in your kitchen sink, most faucets can be fixed by following a few simple steps. You’ll need a few basic tools and, of course, a little time in order to do it.
Here are the tools you’ll need to fix a dripping faucet:
- Adjustable wrench
- Philips and/or flathead screwdriver
- Drain cover, rag, or plug
- Cleaning cloth
- Vinegar
Once you have everything you need, you’re ready to start taking apart the faucet to determine the cause of the leak.
Here’s a basic step-by-step guide for how to fix a dripping faucet:
- Shut off the water supply. Locate the faucet’s shutoff valves beneath the sink and turn them clockwise until they are closed tightly. Avoid over-tightening, as this might cause additional damage.
- Block off the drain. As you are working, you will pull out screws and other small parts, so you don’t want these to fall down the drain.
- Disassemble the system. Depending on your sink, you might need to remove the faucet body itself, or just the handle.
- Examine all parts. When you’re figuring out how to fix a dripping faucet, the most common causes are the o-rings, rubber washers, and seals. If you observe anything worn, bent, or broken, then replace that part.
- Clean all parts. As you are disassembling, be sure to clean all parts of the faucet. If you encounter mineral deposits, soak them in vinegar.
- Reassemble the faucet. It helps to take pictures to remember how to put everything back together.
- Test the faucet. Turn the water on slowly and observe whether the leak is fixed.
Even if you know how to fix a dripping faucet, the parts may not always be fixable. If the leaking persists, proceed to the next section of this article.
Replacing Your Old Faucet
Unfortunately, in some cases, a quick fix isn’t going to stop a dripping faucet. If you can’t figure out the problem yourself, you might be in need of professional plumbing repair.
Luckily, a plumber knows how to effectively identify and solve any issues that could be causing faucet dripping. By calling in a professional, you can be sure you’re stopping that annoying water-wasting drip for good.
Fix Your Leaking Faucet Today
Your leaking faucet might be wasting a significant amount of water. To stop it, it’s vital to either fix it yourself or call in a professional to replace it. Now that you know how to fix a dripping faucet, you’ll be ready to take care of the situation.
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