Why and How to Fix a Leaky Faucet?

A leaking faucet can become a nightmare. The sound of dripping water has something to make you insomniac, not to mention the water bill and the major waste of our water resources.

Fixing a leaky faucet, or changing it, not only saves money on your water bill but also acts effectively to protect the planet and limit superfluous expenses. So fixing a faulty faucet is not something to underestimate.

The principle of a faucet

Traditional faucets operate on the principle of a compression seal. A threaded rod moves up or down depending on the opening or closing of the valve. The stem ends with a seal. Modern faucets adopt a system with double ceramic discs.

Repair a leaky faucet before a plumbing professional arrives

Whether you are a seasoned or inexperienced handyman, a water leak in your home must be quickly taken care of. If you do not feel confident enough, do not hesitate to call a local plumber.

But while waiting for this intervention, you must temporarily plug the water leak:

1. Start by cutting off the general water supply
2. Then look for where the leak comes from. If it comes from a connection between two pipes, use an adjustable wrench to hold the male fitting, another to tighten the female fitting. If the leak persists, change the seal. If the water leak is on the pipe, repair it temporarily with thread sealing tape
3. Turn on the faucet of the water circuit to purge it
4. Wash and dry the pipe section to be repaired
5. Place the leakproof strip in the water and follow the directions in the instructions for use (the tape must be quickly positioned on the crack causing the water leak) let it dry, then turn on the water circuit again. Water should no longer flow where you made the repair but make sure to ask a Big Birge plumber professional to make sure that the pipe section is not to be changed!!

Replace your old faucet

Changing a faulty faucet is a delicate operation, but here are some tips to get the job done:

1. Turn off the general water supply, then vent the circuits by opening the hot and cold water faucet
2. Equipped with a bucket and a mop in case water stagnates in the circuit, disconnect the two water supply pipes using adjustable wrenches. Remember to remove any worn joints from your old pipes
3. Then loosen the plug stem under the sink with a Phillips screwdriver, then the locknuts. Remove the old faucet
4. Screw in the new water supply hoses, place the gasket and the threaded fixing rods under the faucet
5. Position the new faucet on the sink, gasket and stabilizer plate
6. Screw in the water connections and adjust the drain rod
7. Turn on the water supply and test your new faucet

The essential thing to remember is to repair your leaky faucet ASAP. For equipment that malfunctions regularly, do not hesitate to call a plumbing professional if you are not comfortable with this type of intervention.