We all know how annoying a constant drip can be. Fixing a faucet and other minor plumbing problems can be overwhelming for an inexperienced individual. Fortunately, there are simple tips that anyone can follow to fix a leaky faucet at home. These ideas are ideal for someone who is inexperienced with repairs, as they are simple and easy to understand.
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Avoid a Mess and Turn Off the Water
Before any repairs are started, it is very important to shut off the water that leads to the sink. In most cases, there is a shut off valve located somewhere under the sink. If the shut off valve is not beneath the sink, simply follow the external pipes to find the valve. Shutting off the water greatly reduces the chance of a mess in the event that something goes wrong. While this step may seem like a simple one, it can save homeowners a lot of hassle.
A Simple Tip to Keep Small Pieces From Disappearing
After the water is shut off properly, the drain of the sink should be covered with a small washcloth or rubber stopper. Fixing a faucet involves removing small pieces with a wrench, and these pieces can easily fall into the drain and disappear. This may lead to additional work, or the purchase of new pieces to replace the lost ones. Avoid this annoying problem by covering the drain prior to beginning any repairs.
Tighten the Nut: The Most Common Solution
Most leaky faucets can easily be fixed by tightening the nut. First, the faucet handle must be removed. There is a screw that attaches it that can be unscrewed, and it is typically covered by a cap. According to Alberta Water Services, a wrench can be used to tighten the packing nut. This is the nut located at the handle’s base. After tightening the nut and putting the pieces back, check and see if the faucet has stopped leaking. You may need to wait a few minutes to spot leaking, as the water has been shut off for a small amount of time.
What to Do If These Steps Fail
Unfortunately, DIY repairs are not always going to solve all your plumbing problems. Even if these steps are followed carefully, a faucet may still leak. If this is the case, it is important to seek professional help. While this option costs money, it eliminates a lot of frustration. Contacting a commercial plumbing service in Calgary can save anyone a lot of trouble. A plumber can use professional tools and experience to quickly find and repair the source of a leaky faucet.
While fixing a leaky faucet may be confusing for first timers, it is very possible in most situations. The instructions listed above commonly fix most leaky faucets, but keep in mind there is no guaranteed remedy. If the faucet requires additional work, it is always best to ask for professional assistance.
I agree that DIY solutions won’t solve everything. For sure, you can do a lot by yourself and like you said, sometimes it’s as easy as tightening the nut. But I consider myself pretty handy and I still have to call a plumber on occasion when I can’t get leaking to stop. I can keep trying myself and waste money, or I can just get it done.
I like that you pointed out that not all DYI fixes will work. So, it seems like it would be best to have a plumber come in to do the repairs. That way you know for sure that it will be fixed properly.
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