Let’s be real – a leaky faucet is more than just an irritating background noise. It’s costing you money and wasting water with every single drop. The good news? Most Miami, FL homeowners can probably fix this themselves without calling for a professional at Ben Franklin Plumbing. With the right tools and some guidance, you may be able to repair a leaky faucet on your own.
Why Homeowners Should Know How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Home repairs might seem intimidating, but fixing a leaky faucet is actually pretty simple. You’ll save money, learn something new, and prevent potential water damage. Plus, there’s something satisfying about solving a household problem with your own two hands. It’s an opportunity to handle a common problem quickly and keep your plumbing system in good shape.
What You’ll Need to Fix a Leaking Faucet
Being prepared will make the process go much smoother.
You’ll need grab these tools before you start:
- Adjustable spanner
- Screwdrivers (flat and cross-head)
- Scissors
- Replacement tap parts (washer or cartridge)
What kind of faucet do you have?
Knowing what type of faucet you are working on will help you get the right replacement parts to complete the project. The different types of faucets need slightly different approaches to repair.
There are two main types of faucets:
- Traditional faucets: use rubber washers.
- Mixer faucets: use ceramic cartridges.
Step-by-Step Guide: Fixing a Traditional Tap
- Turn off the water supply. Find your stopcock and turn off the water. Let the tap run until it stops dripping. This makes sure there is no water left in the pipes.
- Take the tap apart. Use your spanner to loosen the nut holding the tap stem. Remove the stem carefully, keeping track of all the parts.
- Replace the washer. Remove the old washer at the base of the stem. Slide on or screw in a new washer that matches the size of the original.
- Replace the O-ring if needed. If you’ve noticed leaks around the spout, the O-ring may be the problem. Remove the spout and use scissors or a small tool to remove the old O-ring. Slide a new one into place, making sure it fits snugly.
- Reassemble the tap. Reassemble the tap in reverse order, then turn the water back on and check for leaks.
How to Fix a Leaking Mixer Tap
Mixer Tap? No problem, as the process for fixing a mixer tap is similar.
- Shut off the water.
- Remove handles and valve housing.
- Replace the cartridge.
- Reassemble and test for leaks.
Tips from Ben Franklin Plumbing Pros:
- Always match replacement parts exactly.
- Take photos of the disassembly if you’re worried about remembering how to put it back together.
- A little patience goes a long way.
The bottom line? Most faucet leaks are simple fixes that can save you money and prevent water waste. Give it a shot – you’ve got this!
When to Call a Benjamin Franklin Plumber
If the leak continues after you made the repairs, it might be time to call a professional from Benjamin Franklin in Miami, FL. There is probably a bigger problem that requires specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and fix. In the meantime, collect that dripping water – it’s great for watering plants or cleaning.
Remember: If there’s any delay – it’s YOU we pay!