Common Home Repairs: Dripping Faucet
Owning a home comes with its fair share of issues, both big and small. The most common home issues that homeowners may encounter are electrical, plumbing, or roofing issues. Let's take a closer look at an easy fix-it solution for one of the most common home plumbing issues: a dripping faucet.
A dripping faucet can be a frustrating and wasteful problem. Fortunately, fixing a dripping faucet is a relatively simple process that can be done by following these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply: Before you begin fixing the faucet, turn off the water supply to the sink. Look for the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off the water supply.
2. Remove the faucet handle: Use a screwdriver to remove the screw on the top of the faucet handle. Once the screw is removed, gently lift the handle off the faucet to expose the valve assembly.
3. Replace the washer: The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. Use pliers to remove the screw that secures the washer to the valve assembly. Replace the old washer with a new one that matches the size and shape of the old one. If you're not sure what kind of washer to use, take the old one to a hardware store to find a matching replacement.
4. Reassemble the faucet: Once you've replaced the washer, reassemble the faucet by reversing the steps you took to disassemble it. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it's no longer dripping.
If replacing the washer doesn't fix the problem, there may be an issue with the valve seat or other components of the faucet. In this case, it may be best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.
