Bathroom Maintenance
Important Part of Bathroom Maintenance
When it comes to bathroom maintenance, there are some common problems that keep cropping up and faucet leaks are one of them. In some cases, you might find water pooling under the bathroom sink or the annoying sound of dripping water might just be a constant that tells you the faucet needs to be changed. What most people do not realize is that it is pretty simple to fix a leaky faucet and regular maintenance helps in avoiding any expensive replacements and repairs.
If you feel that you cannot handle these repairs by yourself, call Calvert Handyman professionals. They do all types of bathroom renovations and repairs including faucet repair, patching drywall, tile repair and patching drywall. They will ensure that the job is completed to your satisfaction.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
If you have decided to try your hand at fixing the leaky faucet yourself, you will need some simple tools such as:
• C wrench or an adjustable wrench
• A flat-headed screwdriver
• Penetrating oil like CRC or WD-40
• O-rings and replacement washers
If you have all these basic implements and replacement parts, you are now set to replace the faucet using the following steps:
• Ensure that the water supply has been turned-off. The handles that stand above the sink, the knobs that are underneath and the main line connection should all be turned-off. Do not use the screwdriver or wrench before you do all of this.
• Remove all the decorative parts on the handle knobs. Use a flat-head screwdriver for this purpose. Unscrew the screw that is under the knob and use penetrating oil to loosen it if necessary.
• Use the wrench to loosen the packing nut and then remove the stem that lies underneath. In some types of faucets, the stem will pop right off while in others you will have to twist it off from the valve. Check all these parts for any signs of damage.
• Inspect the washer and the O-ring. Replace these if required. These replacements parts should have the exact specifications as the parts that were originally there. It is a good idea to take the damaged part to the hardware store to match the exact parts that you need to buy.
• Once you know you have the right replacement parts, fix that in place and reassemble the faucet. Once everything has been fitted in place, check the knob for a leak.
If you find that the faucet is still leaking, there is a possibility that the valve seat of the faucet is corroded. Loose parts, worn-out seals and broken plumbing are other common issues that might crop up from time to time. If you feel that the plumbing repair issue is to severe call in a professional and get the problem fixed.
