Bulldog Plumbers Fort Lauderdale

When the tap in the kitchen sink starts dripping, it's not an immediate cause for concern. However, as the days go by, it starts to morph into a bigger problem. When you can't bear the drip, drip, dripping noise any longer, it's time to fix the leaky faucet.

Fortunately., it's easy enough to fix a dripping faucet yourself. There's no need to spend the money on a plumbing callout if you don't need it. We're all about people learning how to do basic plumbing tasks at home. For this reason, we decided to put together this brief guide on how to fix a leaky faucet yourself.

Leaky faucets can cost you plenty o money over a year. According to research, a single leaking faucet could cost you up to 300-wasted gallons each year – that's a lot of wasted water. Don't let a leaky faucet cost you money or damage to the environment.

Instead of letting the leak persist, figure out if you can fix the problem yourself. If not, you might have to spend money on that plumbing callout after all. Here are a few tips you can use to fix the issue yourself.

Stage 1 – Get Your Tools Together

Before you decide to take on the job yourself, you need to ensure that you have all the tools. If you don't even have a screwdriver in the house, then you'll need to visit the hardware store or start dialing

the plumber number right now.

However, if you have a semi-proficient toolbox lying in the garage or toolshed, check if it contains a flat- head screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. You'll also need some O-rings, and few replacement washers, and a can of WD-40 penetrating oil.

If you don't have any, order them from the hardware store for a few dollars. Extra O-rings and washers are handy to have around the house for future projects.

Stage 2 – Shut off the Water

Next, you'll have to shut off the water mains to your home. Depending on the construction date for your home and where you live, your water shutoff valve could be in the house, or outside the boundary wall.

If you have a home with a basement, check the interior walls on the front of the house for the valve. If your home has a concrete foundation, then the valve will likely be outside next to the meter.

Some homes have a special meter and valve lockboxes. You'll need a special key from the hardware store to open this box to access the valve.

Stage 3 – Replace the Loose or Broken Parts

Clean the Aerator – If you're dealing with a leaky faucet in the bathroom or kitchen, it could be coming from the aerator. Check the aerator to see if it's leaking of particles are surrounding the aerator—clean around the aerator using an old toothbrush. Tighten up the aerator to stop the leak.

Replace the Seal or Washer – When turning off your faucet, a washer will fall into place, sitting against the faucet seat and stopping the water flow. If the washer doesn't seat properly, it causes a leak.

By taking apart the faucet and repositioning the washer, you can stop the leak in most cases. If you're dealing with an extensive leak, you might have to replace the washer and seat during the repair job.

Make sure that you choose a washer and seat designed for both hot and cold water sue. Using the wrong washer and seat setup results in warping that leads to further leaks.

Replace the Faucet Cartridge

The cartridge is another common source of leaking faucets. The cartridges can have one or two handles, and they have smooth operation compared to a traditional ball faucet. When the tap starts leaking, you can stop the leak by replacing the cartridge.

Cartridges can cost anywhere from $10 to $15, depending on where you live in the US. Cartridges are easy for novice plumbers to install, and you shouldn't have much trouble with the exchange. While you're doing this repair job, it's worthwhile replacing the washers and the O-ring as well.

Stage 4 – Replace the Faucet

If the fixes in this guide don't work for you, we recommend replacing the entire faucet assembly. Take some time to decide on your new faucet assembly.

Contact a Professional Plumber

If you can't come right trying to fix the faucet yourself, give the professionals a call for help. Look for local plumbers in your area, offering favorable estimates and callout fees.

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