How to Repair a Leaky Faucet?
IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM:
A kitchen is the mostly used location in the house and the sink plays a major role in the room. To ensure the maintenance of a good
kitchen, a proper and dry faucet is mandatory. A leaky, malfunctioning one spoils the beauty of the place and makes it messy and
untidy. The problem of a leaky, dripping faucet may take few days to come to light. It is however difficult to identify the
problem of a leaky faucet and differentiate it from simply not turning off the water supply properly.
So, when the dripping sound of the water droplets is noticed, then immediately one must check the faucet to figure
out whether the valve is tightly shut or not. If the water drips even when the valve is tightly closed, then the
problem at hand is a leaky faucet. As soon as the problem is identified, one must waste no time but to try to repair
or replace it.
The tiny drips may lead to the loss of gallons of water, resulting in huge utility bills. For replacing the faucets,
one must find which type is affordable and easy to use. The best way is to replace the old faucet with the same type
or contact the store manager who can give details about the best type of faucet available in terms of design and
affordability.
TYPES OF FAUCETS AVAILABLE:
Faucets are available in various sizes and brands, which range from cheap plastic models to expensive branded ones made of
brass or stainless steel. However, for better quality and service, a branded faucet is preferred and it is easier to find
its spare parts when necessary. It is also easy to use and replace. Some branded parts have lifetime warranty.
Ball Faucets: It is the simple type of faucet, which is used in most homes as it is affordable. This type consists of a
single handle and a sprout over which is present a cap.
Compression Faucets: These have two handles, one for the hot and another for cold water. The washer inside the faucet
must be compressed to inhibit water flow. Both handles need to be tightened and this type is easy to repair.
Disc Faucets: A handle attached to a cylindrical body forms a disc faucet. Two discs made of ceramic control the flow of
water and its temperature. This expensive faucet requires little maintenance but the leaking problems can be prevented using
it.
Cartridge Faucet: The convenient type of faucet, which can be operated by turning the handle up or down to let water flow and
left or right for temperature adjustment, is the cartridge faucet. Though expensive, it is easy to seal and has a longer life.
REMOVING THE OLD FAUCET:
STEP 1:
First of all, the water supply should be shut off. This ensures that a mess is not made while removing the old faucet.
The main water supply valve or the valves just under the faucet to be replaced could be turned off. This step is very
important as it ensures that we do not mess our kitchen and hence the clean-up job gets easier.
STEP 2:
The water supply lines should be disconnected from the faucet. They could be replaced if they are damaged or corroded or
if necessary. Care should be taken while proceeding with this step.
STEP 3:
The faucet should now be removed from the sink in order to replace it. Of the two types of faucets, Top mounted and Bottom
mounted, the correct faucet type should be identified. Top mounted faucets should be removed from below by loosening the
nuts that are holding it. Bottom mounted faucets are removed from above by first removing the escutcheons and handles in
order to access the nuts. The loosening of the nuts can be easily done by the help of pliers and wrenches.
STEP 4:
After removing the faucet, there could be some buildup where the faucet was in place. This should be removed so that fixing
the new one becomes easier. A solution of vinegar in water (concentration 50%) can remove the buildups with no trouble
by dissolving them. Now scraping or scratching it away using a razor blade will help to clear it off.
In case the old faucet has rusted parts, penetrating oil should be applied before removing the old nuts. This makes the process of installing new ones easier due to the presence of a lubricant.
FIXING THE NEW FAUCET:
Before fixing the new faucet, one must check if the washer needs to be replaced. If so, this must also be done to avoid problems
in the immediate future with the new tap assembly. While selecting the new faucet, one can choose any one of the above-mentioned
types or can take the old one to the store for the sake of reference.
Actually, there are two types of faucets available in the stores. One is the top mounted faucet and another is the bottom-mounted
faucet. The methods of fixing the two are explained below:
How to fix a Top Mounted Faucet:
1. A small amount of putty or silicon caulk should be applied to the base of the faucet. This step need not be followed if plastic
or rubber gaskets are present at the base of the faucet.
2. The faucet is then fixed by easing it into its place, making it press against the putty. The faucet if properly chosen will
fit exactly into its place by simply easing it by hand.
3. The washers and mounting nuts are placed in their appropriate locations and tightened by hand.
4. The faucet is lined with the back of the sink and the nuts are tightened by a wrench or pliers. Here, wrench refers to a
basin wrench and pliers refer to a set of plumber’s pliers.
5. Excess putty or caulk is wiped off the surface to keep the sink clean and to achieve a proper finish.
How to fix a Bottom Mounted Faucet:
1. The faucet must be held in place from under the sink. This process is to be done carefully as misalignment may lead to
problems while fitting the nuts and other parts.
2. The washers and nuts must be installed and tightened by hand.
3. Next, they must be tightened with a wrench or by pliers after aligning the faucet to the back of the sink.
4. Some amount of putty or caulk is applied to the base.
5. The excess putty must be wiped away and the handles of the faucets can be installed.
Hooking Up Supply Lines
If one decides not to replace the supply lines, then the job is easier, they just need hooking up.
However, if they are to be replaced then new lines must be properly chosen.
Chromed copper lines or flexible lines can be used. Chromed copper lines are difficult to replace. However, flexible ones are
preferred as they are easy to install and can be cut readily with a knife. One must be the lines of proper length that are needed
as per requirements. To make them work, they must be bent in various locations. These can be connected to the compression
fittings and to the shut-off valve.
Copper tubes with rounded ends easily fit into the water inlets of the faucet. The coupling ends must be tightened
and putty must be applied if necessary. If copper or brass faucets are used, they are expensive hence; they must be
carefully handled while fixing them. So it is advisable to fix them with a cloth wrapped around the wrench.
Attaching a Sink Sprayer
Sometimes, while fixing a kitchen sink, a sprayed may also need to be fixed. Given below are the steps that are required to
be followed while attaching the sprayer.
1. A little amount of putty is applied to the base of the sprayer holder. The holder is then inserted into the hole.
2. The excess putty is wiped away and the supply tube of the sprayer is inserted.
This is done through the holder from the top.
3. The supply hose of the sprayer is fixed from under the sink. It is attached with
Care to the hose nipple at the bottom of the faucet.
4. The entire assembly is tightened with wrenches and the setup is checked so that
The nuts and other components are properly in place before turning on the water supply mains.
