A dripping faucet can not only waste water, but it can add up to hundreds of dollars to your water bill in the long run. They’re subjected to corrosive water and weather, and over time, parts break down, causing leaks to form.
In general, it is anything that falls under a leaky faucet drip in terms of water usage. There are several causes for this problem and equally as many solutions.
We’re here to help you take down all the information you need to look at to help fix that problem. Keep reading below to get your answers.
Table of Contents
How to Identify and Fix the Source of the Dripping
If your faucet is dripping, the first step is to identify the source of the dripping. Is it coming from the handle, the spout, or the base of the faucet?
If it is coming from the handle, the problem is most likely a worn-out washer. If it is coming from the spout, the problem is most likely broken seals. If it is coming from the base of the faucet, the problem is most likely a faulty gasket.
Once you have identified the source of the dripping, you can then take the appropriate steps to fix the problem. For a dripping handle, you will need to replace the washer.
For a dripping spout, you will need to replace the seals. For a dripping base, you will need to replace the gasket. If you’re having a hard time figuring out the source of the faucet leak, you can call plumbing and heating services.
Tools and Materials Needed to Fix It
There are a few tools and materials you will need to fix a leaky faucet. You will need a wrench to remove the old faucet, a new faucet, Teflon tape, and the plumber’s putty.
First, use the wrench to remove the old faucet. Next, wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new faucet. Screw the new faucet into place.
Finally, use the plumber’s putty to seal the area around the base of the new faucet.
How to Prevent a Dripping Faucet in the Future
First, identify the type of faucet you have. Once you know what kind of faucet you have, you can proceed with the appropriate fix.
For a compression type, tighten the packing nut underneath it. If that doesn’t stop the drip, replace the washer.
For a cartridge type, remove the cartridge and take it to a hardware store to find a replacement. Make sure to use the correct replacement of it.
For a ball type, disassemble it and clean the ball. If the ball is damaged, replace it.
Once you’ve fixed the dripping faucet, take steps to prevent future leaks. Check the washers and packing nuts regularly and replace them if they are worn.
Why a Dripping Faucet Is a Problem
A dripping faucet can be a problem for some reason.
First, it can be a waste of water. Second, it can be disruptive to your sleep if the dripping is loud enough. Third, it can be annoying!
This article helps you go through how to fix a dripping faucet. If you’re not sure how to do any of these things, you can always call a plumber. But, if you’re handy, fixing it is a relatively easy task.
If you think this article has helped you, check out our other articles for you to learn more!
