How To Fix A Leaky Faucet

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Faucet leaks can spring up with no warning and catch you unaware. Determining where the water is coming from and then taking care of the leak before it damages parts of your home are going to be important steps to take to avoid as much damage as possible. 

Here are the steps involved in fixing a leaky faucet:

• Before beginning work on your fixture, make sure your water supply is turned off, from the handles over the sink to the knobs underneath that control the water coming in from the main line.
• Remove any decorative parts of the handle knobs using a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath each knob, there will be a screw that mounts the handle to the stem. Unscrew, then gently remove the handle with your flat-head. Using penetrating oil can assist in loosening it, allowing you to take the faucet handle off the stem.
• Use your wrench to loosen the packing nut; from there you should notice the stem - remove that as well. Depending on the faucet, some stems pop right off, while others twist off from the valve. Check the removed parts for any damage.
• Inspect the O-ring and washer inside the valve seat—they could be the reason for your leak. Remove the washer and put a replacement inside the seat. It's crucial to make sure your replacement washers and O-rings are an exact fit. Make sure to check the seat to see if the sides fit a cone-shaped or flat washer, and purchase the appropriate type. You may want to take the old O-ring to your local hardware store to verify the correct size. You can also buy a package including many different sizes of O-rings—sometimes it's worth the extra cost.
• Carefully reassemble all the parts (in this order: washer/O-ring, stem, packing nut, screw, and handle). Slowly and gently turn the knob to test the running water and check to see if you have fixed your leaky faucet.

Once you have determined that your faucet is correctly repaired, take precautions by inspecting your drywall and flooring for water damage, looking for buckling, discoloration, and unhealthy odors - which could mean mold has established itself in the damp area. 

In the event that you experience a large water event and the damage is beyond your ability to fix or if a mold colony has been established, don’t hesitate to call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville We have the skills and experience needed to take care of the water damage from a leak, large or small. We are also mold prevention and remediation experts!