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don't call a plumber! fix a leaky faucet by yourself!

By: Kaye Fretz

It's just about time you learn how to fix a leaky faucet if you constantly experience having to wake up in the middle of the night to the irritating noise of drip, drip, drip from a leaky faucet. By doing so, you will eliminate the need for a plumber, and consequently, high plumbing costs. And of course, the best part is, no more sleepless nights.

You can fix a leaky faucet by yourself, without the need of a plumber. And to show you exactly how to do that, this article will enumerate simple to follow and easy to understand steps.

Here are some basic tools and materials you will need:

- Screwdriver - Washers

Before You Start

1. Switch off the water supply. Look underneath your sink, maybe along the pipes, for a shutoff valve. Turn the handles counter-clockwise to turn off the water.

2. Be prepared with a variety of replacement parts, including washers and O-rings.

3. Make sure to plug down the drain (maybe with rags). This is to avoid having small parts like screws and washers go down the drain.

4. While working, line up the parts according to the order it was taken apart. This will later on guide you in reassembling it correctly.

Begin Working!

1. The first thing you should do is remove the faucet handles. For this, you can use your screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding them together. Once the screws are removed, you can easily remove the handles using a flathead screwdriver, or you may have to pry it open.

2. Faucet handles removed, you may now proceed to removing the old washer located behind the handle. If no washer is present, then don't fret. Buy one and use it later on.

3. Having bought a new washer, use it to replace the old washer. The new washer goes exactly where the old washer is supposed to be. Remember that the hole in the washer should just be a little bit bigger than the post where the handle turns.

4. Reassemble the faucet. Put the handle back on to its post and screw it in. Make sure that you do not tighten it too much, as this can damage brass fittings. Just keep it hand-tight.

5. Check if you did the right thing. Turn your water back on by moving the handles of the shut-off valve to the left or clockwise. Remember, righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.

6. There shouldn't be any leaky faucet if everything went well. If not, though, try tightening the screws a wee bit more, or repeat the whole process again. If that still doesn't work, and if all else fails, admit defeat and call a plumber.

Miscellaneous Tips

When you go to the hardware to buy a washer, ask assistance from the employee available. He or she might be able to suggest to you a specific type of washer that is suited especially for the type of sink you have at home.

If your faucet handle post contains nasty lime build-up, clean it up using lime-away products. Sometimes, lime build-up can be a cause for leaky faucets.

There's no need for you to stay awake at night and listen to the annoying noise of a leaky faucet instead of enjoying fitful sleep. Learn to fix a leaky faucet yourself and say goodbye to plumbers, high plumbing costs, and sleepless nights.

Article Source: http://www.associatedigest.com

Discover how to fix a leaky faucet yourself. All you need is your faucet guide!

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