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tips on how to fix a leaky faucet

By: Kaye Fretz

If you want to steer away from having to call a plumber and face the absurdly high fees they charge you with, you must learn how to fix a leaky faucet. Aside from that, you really wouldn't want to endure the annoying dripping sounds a leaky faucet makes, would you? By learning how to repair a leaky faucet, you will never have to call a plumber again. Go through these easy to understand and very simple steps and you'll be a faucet expert in no time.

For as long as you have the right tools and materials, learning how to fix a leaky faucet can be very easy. The basic materials and tools that you'll need will comprise mainly of a new washer (get one that is suited to the type of faucet you have at home), some rags, a wrench, and a screwdriver.

But before you start pulling your faucet apart, turn off the main water supply first. This can be done by turning the shutoff or control valve counter-clockwise (off). If you don't know where your control valve is, you can try looking under the sink and tracing the pipes.

In addition to that, plug up the drain using some rags. The worst thing that can possibly happen is when small parts like screws and washers go down the drain.

After that is done, you can then begin fixing the leaky faucet. But, keep in mind that these steps are applicable only to conventional faucets. Unconventional faucets might be more complicated and might require you specific repair kits. There are no specific steps since it could vary with every type of faucet you have.

1. Locate a nut where the faucet stem is connected to the water pipe below the handle. Using your wrench, twist the nut loose (counter-clockwise) so that you can remove it. Also turn the handle counterclockwise to set it off completely.

2. Once you have detached the handle, you will see a rubber-like washer that is held down by a screw. This washer is probably very old and falling down to pieces, which could be the reason why your faucet is leaking in the first place. Remove the old washer by unscrewing it, and then install the new washer. Remember that the new washer's size should just be similar to that of the old washer. Tighten the screws on the new washer to secure it in place.

3. Reassemble everything. Replace the faucet handle (turn it clockwise), and tighten back the stem nut to its original location.

4. After that, you can do the checking. Turn the water supply on and check whether the faucet still leaks. If it still leaks, you should probably tighten the screws more. Or, it could be that the faucet itself is defective, and not the washer. And if you think you really need it, seek professional help. Admit defeat and call a plumber.

That's it! Those are the very easy to understand and simple steps you have to follow in order for you to learn how to fix a leaky faucet. Once you follow these steps, you will never have to call a plumber ever again. You won't have to endure annoying dripping sounds, face nasty sink stains caused by long-standing drips, and think of water wastage caused by the constant dripping. Just learn these uncomplicated steps by heart and you will always be prepared in times of leaking faucets.

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

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