How to Fix a Dripping Faucet

Dripping and leaky faucets and shower heads is the worst household problem that annoys everyone along with the wastage of water. For those of you who want to learn how to fix a dripping faucet, it is necessary to find out the exact damaged area. Basically, a dripping faucet is the sign that the tap is worn out and it is needed to be replaced or fixed. Exact faucet repairing instructions can be followed when one gets to know which part of the faucet needs repairing.

Dripping faucet can be caused due to three main reasons - torn rubber washer, worn out valve threads or washer screws. Luckily, faucets don't have many moving parts and have less complicated designs.

Fixing a Dripping Faucet
Material Required

• Slip joint pliers
• Penetrating oil or grease and sealant
• New washers
• A rag
• Screwdrivers
• O ring and cartridge
• A pocket knife and allen wrench

Procedure

• Cut off the main water supply that provide water to whole of the household. After cutting off the water supply, remove the faucet handle and let out all the water from it.
• Now remove the valve stem by using the slip joint pliers. For this, turn the valve stem the same way you turn the faucet nob to get water. At the bottom of the valve stem you will find the rubber washer.
• Closely observe the condition of the washer to see whether it needs to be replaced or the problem lies elsewhere. Use the screwdriver to remove the washer from the valve stem, use grease as well.
• While removing the washer from the valve stem, make sure you do not cause any damage to the metal bottom of the valve stem. In case of damage the valve stem might need to get replaced, which again can get costly.
• Check for damage that might have caused to the valve seat which is at the bottom of the faucet. Remove the valve seat by using the allen wrench (move it in anti-clockwise direction) and install the new valve seat with the help of the screwdriver.

Once you replace the valve seat carefully, make sure you replace all the other damaged parts namely - washer, valve stem and possibly the faucet handle as well. When you are learning how to fix a dripping bathroom faucet then make sure you replace washers of both hot as well as the cold water supplies as a precautionary measure.

When it comes to learning how to fix a dripping delta faucet, you can also buy the delta brand repair kit and follow the above instructions. You can use vinegar to clean up the replacements and then install them. When it comes to learning how to fix a dripping bath faucet, make sure you let the sealants and grease dry off totally. Turn on the water supply and observe if the water dripping problem still persists. If the problem persists, then there is a more serious plumbing problem and it is the time to call a professional.

Wasn't that easy? I am sure you will be able to apply the instructions to fix the dripping faucet of your house.