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Homeowner Basics: Fixing a Faucet
12/19/2018 (Permalink)
Small leaks can cause big problems in your Carpentersville,IL home
Get some real-life homeowner XP (experience points) by learning how to fix a dripping faucet! These slow leaks are usually due to worn seals or cartridge failure within the faucet assembly. Maintaining the faucets in your home in Carpentersville,IL, is a simple and inexpensive job. Although there are four types of faucets (compression, ball, cartridge, and disc), the steps for repairs are the same.
Basic Steps for Faucet Repair
- Turn off the water supply before you get started repairing the leaking faucet.
- Turn the faucet handle to open the valve so that all remaining water drains.
- Place something in your sink to catch parts that may fall.
- Remove the assembly.
- Replace worn parts with new ones.
- Reassemble and tighten the fittings.
- Turn on water supply and test for the success of the fixed leak.
Sometimes it’s a little tricky to find the screw that enables you to remove the assembly. Decorative caps or hot and cold indicators may be masking the access point. These can be popped off with a fingernail or a screwdriver.
In most cases, the resolution of a leaking faucet just requires the simple tightening of a nut, replacing an expensive piece (such as a cartridge or a seal) or a full assembly (for a ball faucet). Taking apart a faucet is simple and inexpensive in all cases.
Small Leaks Cause Big Problems
You can’t afford is the secondary damages that come from leaking water. When materials are damp, they become a prime location for mold to develop. Mold grows quickly and can become difficult to remove from porous household materials. If you have discovered a leak much too late, you can count on a professional mold remediator to help solve your problem.
You may be tempted to ignore a leaking faucet, but these can lead to damage that will cost you dearly in time and money. These repairs are inexpensive and something any homeowner can do.