Leaky faucets can be a nuisance, and not only that, they can also result in high water bills if not fixed promptly. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a task that can be easily accomplished with the right tools and a bit of know-how. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you repair your leaky faucet and get it back to working like new.
Brief Overview – 5 Steps to Fix a Leaky Faucet
- Turn off water supply
- Remove handle
- Replace washer and O-ring
- Reassemble faucet
- Test faucet
Tools and Supplies Needed
Before you start, you’ll need to gather the following tools and supplies:
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumbers’ putty
- Teflon tape
- Replacement washer
- Replacement O-ring
Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply
Before you start any repairs, it’s important to turn off the water supply to your faucet. This can usually be done by turning a valve under the sink or by shutting off the main water supply to your home.
Step 2: Remove the Handle
Once the water supply is turned off, use your adjustable wrench to remove the handle from the faucet. This will give you access to the internal components of the faucet, including the washer and O-ring.
Step 3: Replace the Washer and O-ring
If your faucet is leaking, it’s likely that the washer or O-ring is damaged. To replace these components, simply remove the old ones and replace them with the new washer and O-ring. Before reassembling the faucet, wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the spout to create a watertight seal.
Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet
With the new washer and O-ring in place, it’s time to reassemble the faucet. Use plumbers’ putty to create a watertight seal around the base of the faucet, then replace the handle and tighten it with your adjustable wrench.
Step 5: Test the Faucet
Once you’ve reassembled the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it’s no longer leaking. If there are still leaks, repeat the steps above until you’ve successfully repaired the faucet.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple task that can be accomplished in a matter of minutes with the right tools and a bit of know-how. With the step-by-step guide provided above, you should have no trouble repairing your leaky faucet and getting it back to working like new.
