DIY Tips to Stop a Leaky Faucet
Over time any faucet is likely to develop a leak due to the wear on the seals and hardware. However, for a small leak or a faucet needing replacement, there are things that you can do yourself to stop the leak and correct the problem without hiring a plumber.
What Causes a Leak?
A few things can cause a leaking faucet, and most are easy to diagnose. Most commonly, a leak is from a worn-out gasket or a washer that needs replacing. These create a seal between the faucet and the water source, and as time passes, they become worn and no longer seal correctly, which allows the water to leak. Another cause of lease is an O ring that has become loosened and no longer keeps the water sealed out or corrosion on the metal.
In order to find the cause of the leak, look for where there is a trail of water, mineral buildup, or that seem to be constantly wet. As the faucet will need to be taken apart to fix each of these, it can be efficient to replace them at the same time. This would also make it less necessary to determine which part or seal was leaking, as each would be replaced, and it would stop the faucet from leaking.
Tips to Stop a Leak
We know some guys that specialize in faucet repair services in Darwin, and after talking with them we have come up with these amazing tips to help stop a leak quickly. To stop a leak in your faucet, it is important to determine if the leak is within the faucet itself, in the water pipes beneath the sink, or the sink itself. Once you have determined where the leak is coming from it can be repaired. A leak around the sink or around the faucet may require silicone seal around them to prevent water from getting under the seating of the faucet and leaking. A leak in the piping beneath the sink requires a repair to the connection of the pipes, or a replacement if one of the pipes has broken.
To prevent a leak from occurring, it is important to keep the seals from drying out by using the sink regularly. If you are on vacation or will be leaving the house empty for some time someone should run water in the sink for a few minutes every few days. Also, ensure that the seals are checked regularly and that you are watching for signs of leaking during regular use.
Determine Where The Leak Is
Once you have determined where the leak is coming from, turn off the water at the cut-off valve for the bathroom, leaving the water to run out of the taps and empty the line. Then remove the handle that controls the water temperature. This will reveal the cartridge, also called a faucet stem, that can be loosened by a wrench and pulled out. Clean and dry the area. Next, check the O rings within the housing and replace any that are damaged, then drop in the new cartridge. Then replace the handles and turn the water back on.