Plumbing in Bristol

 Leaky faucet repair: tips to stop dripping

If it won't stop dripping, you should take charge of repairing a leaky faucet yourself to save money. There are two basic types of faucets. One is a washer type, also known as a compression. The other is dishwasher-less. Both types of faucets are prone to leaks. 

Defective washers are often the culprit. Washers can be replaced, but still won't seat properly to stop the dripping. The best solution for long-term prevention is to buy a faucet without a washer.

Close the faucet tighter to temporarily stop the leak until you are ready to fix it. You may need a wrench or screwdriver to do this.

You can stop the sound of dripping water by tying a long string around the end of the faucet. The water will then drip onto the string and run off quietly. This is not a solution to the problem, of course, but may help temporarily if the leaking faucet is in a hotel room or rental property.

For a faucet with a washer, examine the stem. If the thread is badly corroded, replace it. If it is dirty, clean it.

Look at the washer. If it is flat or has a worn groove, replace it.

Replace the brass screw if it is damaged.

Any faucet that requires frequent washer replacement has a damaged washer seat. Either machine the seat with a dressing tool or replace it.

Install the correct type of washer. Preferably, use a swiveling washer.

Apply silicone grease or petroleum jelly to the stem threads to lubricate the faucet function.

If the leak occurs at the stem and not the spigot, install new gaskets or O-rings.

Removing an existing shower and tub faucet

The faucet of a combination tub and shower fixture consists of a tub spout above the tub, one or more handles, and a shower head. The handles turn the water on and off, and water is dispensed from the tub spout or shower head when the water is turned on. If your faucet looks worn and outdated, you should replace it with a new, modern faucet. Simply remove the old faucet to install a new faucet that matches your decor and personal style.

Remove the faucet handles

Turn off the water on the main water line if you do not have a shut-off valve for the tub and shower. Turn on the faucet handles to drain any water remaining in the lines.

Place the tip of a screwdriver under the edge of the decorative cap on a handle to pry it off. Repeat this process to remove all decorative caps.

Turn the screws in the center of the faucet handles counterclockwise to remove them, and pull the handles off.

Remove the screws securing the trim plate or plates behind the handles. Place the edge of a putty knife under the edge of the trim plates to lift them off.

Removing the spout

Inspect the spout to determine if it is secured with a set screw.

Remove a set screw with a hex wrench. 

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