Plumbing involves the installation and repair of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that facilitate water, gas, and waste disposal in residential and commercial settings. Plumbers utilize their knowledge of blueprints and building codes to plan and execute plumbing installations, while also addressing existing issues like leaks or clogs. Contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for professional help.
A home’s plumbing system typically includes two main subsystems: a water supply system and a drain system. The former supplies water to fixtures at a high rate, while the latter removes wastewater and sewage.
A constant dripping faucet can drive up water bills and cause other problems around the house, including mold growth. The good news is that fixing the problem is usually very simple. A plumber would use a tool called a spanner to remove the faucet handle, but you can do this yourself using a screwdriver and replacement parts that are available at any hardware store.
Before you start, shut off the water supply by turning the valves under the sink clockwise. This will prevent accidental water flow during the repair process and ensure that you don’t damage any of the delicate parts inside the faucet.
The next step is to take apart the faucet and locate the faulty part. The way you do this depends on the type of faucet you have. If you have a cartridge faucet, the first step is to remove the handle. You can do this by unscrewing the handle screw with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Once the handle is removed, you can access the decorative cap that covers the screw. Remove this and set it aside along with the screw.
Once you have the handle removed, you can see the valve stem assembly. There may be a cover over the valve stem that you can unscrew with pliers. You can also remove the hex head of the valve stem by gripping it with pliers and unscrewing it counter-clockwise. If your faucet has a ceramic disc valve, you can remove the plastic cam and packing by unscrewing it with a screwdriver or spanner tool provided in the repair kit. You may need to replace the washers and O-rings as well.
Once you have the new parts, the next step is to reassemble the faucet. Be careful not to overtighten any screws or fasteners or you could create a leak. Be sure to use nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease on the O-ring and seat washer. You should also clean the valve seat to remove mineral buildup and help the new seat seal properly. Once you’ve reassembled the faucet, it’s time to turn the water back on and test it for any leaks or loose components.
Removing a Faucet
If you decide to replace a faucet, you’ll first need to remove the old one. This can be a messy job, as there will likely be sealant, mineral and glue residue left behind in the sink, so you should put down a towel or plastic sheet to protect it from damage. Also, it’s a good idea to turn off the water supply before starting this process, which can be done by turning the shutoff valve located under the sink with a pair of pliers, or by going down to the main water line and turning the valve to the “Off” position.
Next, disconnect the water supply tubes. These may either be flexible tubes or rigid chromed copper tubes that snap onto a fitting under the faucet. In either case, use two sets of pliers (one to hold the shutoff valve motionless while you twist the compression mounting nut with the other). It’s a good idea to install new water supply tubes at this time; they are usually inexpensive and will give you years of rupture-free service.
Once the hoses are disconnected, remove the handle and spout. This will expose the set screws that keep them in place. There will be a screw for each handle and sometimes a second screw for the spout. The spout screw is often concealed under an escutcheon ring, which you can lift to reveal the screw underneath. Remove the handles, and then use a screwdriver to loosen the set screws. Depending on the age of your faucet, there may be a decorative cap or cover that holds the handle in place. You can sometimes remove these by simply prying them off with a utility knife.
Once the handles and spout are removed, you can begin to remove the faucet body. This is often held in place with several different nuts, and you’ll need to remove all of them. You might need to use a wrench for some of them, and you’ll probably want a basin wrench ($15; Photo 4) for the hard-to-reach fasteners that clamp older faucets in place. This wrench’s spring-loaded jaws pivot, making it easier to get to and remove these fasteners in tight spaces.
Replacing a Faucet Part
Dripping faucets not only waste water, but they also put undue stress on the pipes and joints beneath the sink. If you can’t fix a leaky faucet by replacing washers, O-rings and other small parts, it may be time to call in a professional plumber.
Before attempting any DIY repair, first shut off the water and plug the sink drain. Then, remove the faucet handle. Most faucets have an Allen (or hex) screw on the back or side of the handle that can be removed with a standard screwdriver. After removing the screw, you should be able to lift off the handle and pull it straight up, exposing the inner valve stem or cartridge.
The order in which you disassemble the faucet will depend on whether it’s a cartridge, ball or ceramic-disk model. For cartridge faucets, you’ll need to replace the O-rings, inlet seals and springs. You can buy these parts separately or in a premade kit at a hardware store. It’s a good idea to bring the old parts with you when shopping for replacements so that you can be sure you’re getting an exact match.
In a ball or ceramic-disk faucet, you’ll need to remove the cam and packing assembly and replace the washers. You can also replace the ball or cam mechanism, but it’s best to leave this task to a professional unless you’re an experienced plumber.
Once you’ve replaced the damaged parts, turn the water on and test the faucet for any new leaks. If the new parts are installed correctly, you can replace the decorative cap and screw the handle back on. Be sure to use nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease when tightening the handle screw.
If the leak persists, you might need to replace the adjusting ring or packing nut in the stream screw. This can be difficult to access without removing the handle and spout, but it’s possible if you use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen and then unscrew the nut. If you’re having trouble with the nut, try penetrating oil to break up any rust or sediment.
Reassembling a Faucet
Faucets are designed to last for years, but factors such as neglect (worn protective coatings) and environmental issues (hard water and the buildup of limescale) can cause them to wear out sooner. If you notice that your faucet is not operating properly, there are steps you can take to repair it or replace it. If you are replacing a faucet, it is best to follow the instructions that came with it, as the process of connecting pipes and reassembling the new fixture can vary slightly among different styles of sinks.
Start by shutting off the water supply to your sink. You may need to do this more than once during the course of this project, depending on the type of faucet and how well it is installed in your home. After the water is turned off, use a penknife or screwdriver to pry off the small index cover on the side of the faucet handle, which will reveal a hex-head screw. Remove this screw and pull off the handle.
Next, unscrew the aerator from the end of the spout. If you have trouble unscrewing the aerator, try using penetrating oil such as WD-40 to help loosen it. After the aerator is removed, clean it and the inside of the faucet body with a toothbrush or paintbrush to remove any mineral deposits. Rinse the aerator thoroughly after cleaning it.
If the aerator is still clogged, try pouring white vinegar over it and letting it sit for a few minutes to dissolve the buildup. You can also rinse the aerator with water to remove any remaining vinegar residue and then scrub it with a brush to clean it completely.
Once the aerator is cleaned and reassembled, screw it back onto the spout and hand-tighten it. If you have an adjustable wrench or basin wrench, you can tighten it further, but do not over-tighten as this could damage your porcelain sink.
Reassemble the rest of the faucet. If your replacement has a spray hose, connect the hose to its opening in the faucet assembly and then to the supply stub on the sink. If your old faucet had a built-in drain linkage, replace the connection by turning the nut with a wrench or basin wrench to release it, then reassemble the linkage and reconnect the supply stub. Replace the water supply line connections and turn the water back on to test your work.