Faucet Repair Service
A leaky faucet might seem like a minor annoyance, but its implications extend far beyond a simple drip. The water wasted can have a significant impact on your home and your wallet.
With Day & Night on your side, you never have to worry about dealing with a leaky faucet. We’ll arrive on your property quickly to make necessary repairs or replacements. Let’s take a look at how a leaky faucet can affect you and discuss what signs to look for so you can minimize the damage.
Leaky Faucet Repair
Even a minor leak from a faucet can waste up to hundreds of dollars worth of water. A larger leak can easily exceed 30 gallons of water wasted every day, which can significantly impact your expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes of leaky faucets so you know what problems to look for and avoid.
Damaged Cartridge
If your faucet has separate handles for hot and cold water, it’s likely a cartridge-style faucet. Each handle operates a valve known as a cartridge, regulating water flow to the faucet spout. If you notice water dripping from the faucet, it could have cartridge damage.
Broken Washer
A prevalent reason for faucet leaks is damaged washers. These components sit against the valve seat and can deteriorate over time due to friction, resulting in leaks. Incorrect sizing or improper installation of washers can also contribute to leakage problems.
Water Pressure
If you notice your bathroom faucet dripping only at specific times or when the handles are moved in a certain way, it may be due to fluctuations in your home’s water pressure.
Malfunctioning O Ring
The O-ring, situated within the faucet’s handle, is a small disk affixed to the stem screw that secures the handle in position. Like washers, O-rings are susceptible to wear and loosening over time. If you’re experiencing a leak from one of your faucet’s handles, a malfunctioning O-ring is likely the culprit.
Valve Seat
If your faucet is leaking from the spout, it could be due to the valve seat, which connects the faucet to the spout. Sediment can build up and corrode the seat, causing a leak.
Types of Faucets
Cartridge
Cartridge faucets, often found in bathrooms, feature two handles flanking the spout. These handles operate by moving up and down to control the water flow. Inside the sink’s mechanism is a cartridge that regulates the flow of water as it moves vertically.
Disc
Disc faucets represent a more modern option, often priced slightly higher than conventional models. Renowned for their durability and dependability, they feature a single lever for operation. This lever is positioned atop a cylindrical body, distinguishing it from other faucet designs.
Ball
This type of faucet utilizes a ball joint mechanism to manage hot and cold water supply lines. Identified by a single handle positioned atop a rounded cap situated on the spout, they offer convenient operation. To adjust the water pressure, simply push the handle up or down. Left and right movements control the temperature. These faucets are frequently found in kitchens and other areas that see frequent use.
Compression
Despite being the oldest faucet type, compression washer faucets remain prevalent in modern households. These faucets rely on rubber washers to create a tight seal against water flow. Featuring two handles that move only side to side, their distinctive characteristic is the sensation of the handle tightening as you shut off the faucet.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Deactivate the Water
An essential part of repairing a leaking faucet is to turn off the water supply. Failing to do so could result in a bathroom flood. Locate the fixture shutoff valves beneath the sink, and turn the handles clockwise to stop the water flow. If these valves are absent, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply for the house. Verify that the water is off by turning the faucet on; if no water flows out, move to the next step.
Disassemble the Faucet Handle
Removing the handles of a dripping faucet varies depending on the fixture type. For standard fixtures, start by using a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the caps positioned on top of the handles. This will expose the handle screws, which you can then unscrew to detach the handles.
Detach the Valve System
After removing the faucet handle, take out the inner valve stem or cartridge. In compression faucets, you’ll find a brass valve stem that can be unscrewed. Cartridge faucets, on the other hand, can simply be pulled straight out. If you encounter any difficulties, consulting your faucet manual or searching for instructions online can be helpful.
Inspect the Sink
After removing all the components, examine them closely to identify which parts require a replacement to resolve the leaking faucet. You’ll typically find rubber washers, O-rings, and seals among the parts that need to be inspected.
Replace Damaged Parts
If any components appear old, worn out, or damaged, it’s important to replace them. Head to your local hardware store to find the necessary parts. For the most accurate match, consider bringing the old parts with you and asking for exact duplicates. This ensures you get the right replacements for your dripping faucet.
Sanitize
Inspect the valve body once the stem or cartridge has been removed. You might notice mineral buildup in this area. To clean it, pour white vinegar over the valve seat, and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Scrub away the buildup, and don’t forget to scrub the other parts of your sink to restore their shine and smoothness.
Put the Faucet Back Together
After obtaining the new replacement parts and completing the cleaning process, it’s time to reassemble the faucet. Once reassembled, turn on the water supply, and carefully inspect for any signs of leaks.
Dependable Faucet Repair Services in Phoenix
For premier faucet repair services in Phoenix, look no further than Day & Night Air. Whether you require a simple repair, a replacement, or a fresh installation, our expert team is here to guide you through the process. Safeguard your home and ensure the optimal functioning of your faucets by scheduling a service with us today.
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What Customers Are Saying
“Outstanding service from Day and Night. Had a leak on Thanksgiving day. Called the next morning and had a Plumber on site in 2hrs. Tony was fantastic. Super nice and quick to find our leaking pipe. 5 star plus service!” – Herman E.
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*Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing is an expert HVAC contractor, serving homes and businesses in the Phoenix, AZ area. We install, service, and repair all makes of heating and cooling systems. Financing options are available with approved credit.
