In most cases, the cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-ou […]
In most cases, the cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. Many washers are made from plastic, and they can deteriorate over time due to constant contact with the water. When they dry out in between uses, they can crack or break, eliminating the tight seal that is necessary to prevent leaks. Here’s how to remove the old washers and install new ones.
STEP 1 – SHUT OFF THE WATER
It’s pretty difficult to work on a faucet with water flowing Bathtub Faucets Suppliers through it, so the first thing you’ll need to do is turn off your main water supply. Depending on the construction of your house, you may be able to turn off the water just in your bathroom. You’ll typically find the valves underneath your sink.
If your home does not allow this, you’ll need to turn off the main water valves. These are typically located in your garage. Turn the valves all the way off for both the hot and cold water to prevent any more water coming through your pipes.
STEP 2 – DRAIN THE PIPES
Even though you have turned off the water supply, there will still Bath Faucets Suppliersbe water left in the pipes. To drain this water, simply turn on your bathtub faucet as if you were going to take a bath. A bit of water will come out, but it should stop flowing after a few seconds. Turn the faucet back off before moving on to the next step.
STEP 3 – REMOVE THE HANDLES
To gain access to the washers, you’ll have to pry off the handles. These are actually just covers for the handle hardware underneath. You should be able to pry them off using a small pocket knife or the tip of a flat-head screwdriver.
Next, you’ll need to take off the handle hardware so that you can access the stem. In most cases, it will be screwed on, so use a screwdriver to free the hardware from the stem. Typically, this is the most challenging part of these repairs. Over time, corrosion and mineral buildup can spread around the screws and other hardware, making them difficult to remove.
If you are having difficulty removing the handle, a tool called a handle puller can make the job a bit easier. You can find one at your local hardware or home improvement store. If the handle puller still isn’t making any difference, don’t try to force it. You don’t want to risk causing further damage. If you are unable to remove the handle, you should call in a professional plumber to minimize the risk of more damage.
