Dallas Metro Area Plumbers • Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet is a common complaint of homeowners. Like anything else, however, faucets come in different kinds: compression faucets, washerless faucets, and ones with a disc, cartridge, valve, or ball. Compression faucets typically have two handles to control a hot and cold water mix while washerless faucets usually have a single knob that rotates left and right while controlling water flow at the same time. Each faucet presents its own advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to leaks and other issues.
Leaky Compression Faucets
In compression faucets – ones with two handles that control hot and cold water – a rubber seat washer secures the stem. When water is turned off, the stem screws down. This forces the washer against the valve seat in the faucet. A packing nut secures the stem, forcing twine, an O-ring, or washer into place. As a result, leaking around the stem is prevented.
When leaking occurs around the handle, it’s often a matter of simply tightening the packing nut. If leaking still happens around the handle, you will most likely need to replace the packing. In leaking occurs from the spout, you probably have a defect valve or washer. Turning of the shutoff valves one at a time will indicate which side of the faucet is responsible for the leak. In most cases, you’ll need to replace the washer or the valve seat.
Leaky Washerless Faucets
As the name suggests, you won’t need to replace a washer if your washerless faucet leaks. However, the mechanisms by which washerless faucets work make them more challenging for the layman to fix. In general, there are three kinds of washerless faucets: ball-valve, cartridge, and ceramic disk.
In ball-valve faucets, loose retaining rings are often responsible for leaks that can be easily fixed by tightening them. In cases where the retaining ring is not the cause, most likely it’s the ball or springs that are the cause. If the ball is chipped or the spring broken, you’ll need to replace these.
Cartridge faucets can leak because the cartridge needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. In most cases, the cartridge is located under the faucet handle. An Allen nut or retaining screw may be underneath it. If so, simply remove it in order to access the cartridge. If the cartridge is broken or corroded, replacing it should solve the problem.
In ceramic disk faucets, you’ll need to unscrew the handle from the faucet. Afterwards, the disk must be unscrewed from the valve housing. Next, you’ll need to lift the disk out of its housing in order to see if the seals in the water inlets are broken or corroded. If so, replacing them should put an end to any leaks.
Problems with a Leaky Faucet? Contact Public Service Plumbers
If you’re not sure what’s causing your leaky faucet, call (214) 753-4633 today to talk to one of our plumbers. We can discuss possible solutions and schedule an appointment to fix your problem. Call bonded, licensed, and certified plumbers at Public Service Plumbers to stop a leaky faucet before it causes expensive water damage to your home.
