Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining the pipes, fixtures and appliances that facilitate water supply, waste disposal and heating in residential, commercial and industrial settings. They also ensure these systems meet building codes and are safe for occupants.
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Leaky faucets can cause a lot of problems for you and your family. They waste water, damage the sink or counter, and can even lead to high water bills. If you’re frustrated with the constant dripping, it may be time to call your plumber for a repair or replacement. Fortunately, most of the time a leaky faucet can be fixed without needing to replace the whole unit.
The first thing to do is shut off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be found at a valve under the sink or against the wall. This will keep any accidental spraying from damaging your home.
Next, remove the handle and any securing hardware. This will likely be a screw that you can loosen with a screwdriver. Once that is done, you can start disassembling the faucet. Be sure to note where all of the securing parts are placed so you can put it back together correctly later. This is especially important with faucets that have more moving parts like ball-type faucets.
After removing the handles, you should be able to see most of the securing hardware. The valve cartridge or stem is probably the main culprit when it comes to leaking faucets, but there are other things that could be causing it as well. One common issue is mineral deposits and corrosion on the valve seat. This can be caused by excessively tightening the faucet, rough handling or simply age and wear.
A faulty washer or O-ring can also be the cause of a leaky faucet. Luckily, these are easy to replace and inexpensive. You can usually find them at any hardware store. Just be sure to use plumber’s grease when installing the new O-ring. You can also clean the old one by pouring distilled white vinegar over it and scrubbing it with a scouring pad or toothbrush.
Once you’ve replaced the washer or O-ring and cleaned any mineral deposits off of the valve seat, you should be able to reassemble your faucet. The valve seat is usually the last part that you’ll have to install but it can be tricky. It’s best to ask your plumber to do this, as they will know exactly how to do it to get the perfect fit.
Once everything is reassembled, you can turn the water back on and test your work! Be careful when turning the water back on to avoid putting too much pressure on the valve seat. You don’t want to risk cracking it or putting too much pressure on the rest of your plumbing system. Leaky faucets should only take about an hour to fix so don’t worry if it takes longer than that. Just be patient and follow these simple steps. It will be worth it in the end when your leaking faucet is fixed and you no longer have to deal with it!
Faucet Replacement
The average homeowner can replace a sink faucet by following the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual and using common hand tools. However, it is recommended that you have a plumber do the job if you aren’t comfortable with plumbing activities or if the job involves more complicated plumbing activities such as pipe removal and installation of new fixtures.
If you decide to tackle the job yourself, start by removing the old faucet. Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them off to stop the flow of water. Next, locate and unscrew the plastic lock nuts that hold the faucet body against the sink. You may need a basin wrench to remove these if they are tight or have seized up from age and use. Once the faucet is removed, clean around the sink and under the spout to remove any remaining putty or adhesive.
Before installing the new faucet, you should inspect the condition of the sink and countertop to ensure they are structurally sound and free from leaks. You should also make sure that your water supply lines are in good shape and that the spout holes in the sink are aligned correctly. If the spout holes are not aligned, a plumber can use a special tool to correct the alignment.
Once you’ve inspected and prepared the sink, you can install the new faucet by screwing it into place with the included washers and faucet nut. Be careful not to over-tighten these, as this can crack the sink or countertop. Before screwing on the spout, you should add a silicone seal to prevent drips from occurring. You can buy this seal from any hardware or home improvement store.
When you’re done, test the faucet by turning on the water and ensuring that it doesn’t have any drips or leaks. If there are any problems with the new faucet, you should call a plumber to fix it before it gets worse.
A plumber can replace a faucet in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the job and the existing plumbing in your house. If your house has older pipes that are in poor condition, it may take longer for the plumber to remove and replace the faucet.
You can usually tell if you need to call a plumber to replace your kitchen or bathroom faucet by noticing leaking, running water, or water spots on the walls or ceiling. A dripping or leaking faucet can waste water and money, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible. If you can’t afford to hire a plumber, you can try replacing the faucet yourself. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully read any additional resources available online. With some basic tools and the right steps, you can save money by replacing your own faucet. Just remember that the DIY route can be dangerous if you’re not comfortable with plumbing activities or don’t have the proper tools. Always shut off the water before starting any work.
