Simple Steps to Repair Leaky Faucet Handles
Simple Steps to Repair Leaky Faucet Handles
Leaky faucet handles are one of those things that can easily get overlooked for a pretty long time, but it is not a wise move. A leaky faucet can waste incredible amounts of water over a period of time.
It is especially silly when you consider how easy it is to repair a leaky faucet handle. If your faucet leaks water from around the handles, here are some simple steps to repair the problem with virtually no plumbing experience at all:
Easy Preparations
The first thing you need to do is to turn off the water supply. This is generally located under the sink but you may need to look around. Turn it all the way off before beginning and then cover the drain and basin completely with a towel. If you drop parts you don’t want them going down the drain, right?
Not every faucet handle is made the same, but generally the handles will come off from the bottom. Use an allen wrench or whatever tool it calls for to twist the handles off. Screwdrivers are most common.
Close Inspection
After you get the faucet loose, look at the fittings. There are probably o-rings, washers and such that make up the fitting. Inspect each one carefully while taking note of where they belong.
Clean Them Up
Clean and then lubricate the rings with a bit of WD-40 or Jelly and replace them carefully. Tighten the faucet back and test it to see if it is still leaking. If it is, then you need to replace one of those parts.
Get the Right Replacements
Take the parts back out and take them all to the hardware store. By showing them the exact parts, you can get proper replacements to bring home and fix your faucet. After you finish one side, go ahead and check the other as well (if you have a two sided handle) because it likely has the same corrosion level.
Fixing your leaky faucet handles is a very easy process that scares many people unnecessarily. If you have a leaky faucet handle, give this quick fix a try before paying an expensive plumber to come do the easy job.
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