Generally speaking, a leaky faucet or shower head can certainly be something that a handy homeowner can fix themselves (especially if it means just replacing a worn out washer).
But there are times when there are simply too many moving parts that need to be replaced or there may be an issue of trying to identify what the problem actually is. This is when we recommend that you call in a professional plumber to help fix the problem.
Otherwise – there certainly are things that you can do to try to fix your leaky faucet.
What Causes A Faucet To Drip?
If youfind that you have a leaky faucet, it may seem logical that simply tightening the aerator or cleaning out the pipes under the sink will fix the issue. But the truth is, there can be several reasons as to why that faucet is leaking.
The 5 most common causes of a leaky faucet are…
1. Problems with your water pressure regulator – If your water pressure regulator is set too high or it’s malfunctioning, this could be causing your faucets to drip.
2. The washer in the faucet is deteriorated or not properly installed – This can be a very easy fix to simply replace that washer with a new one.
3. The O Ring in the faucet is worn out or not properly installed – Again, another fairly easy fix to replace the O Ring at the base of the faucet.
4. The valve seat has become corroded – Unless you are a very handy type of person – we recommend that you call in a plumber to replace the valve seat in your faucet.
5. Parts in the faucet have become loose or broken – Faucets are made up of multiple parts and any one of them (or several of them) could become corroded, loose or simply break as time goes by. Some parts are easier to replace than others so if you are not sure of your handyman skills, we recommend that you call in a plumber to help you.
Is It Easy To Fix A Leaky Faucet?
The term “easy” will be different for every person. Let’s face it – some folks are just more adept at DIY projects than others.
But generally speaking, it can certainly be easy to fix a leaky faucet.
As we stated above – the type of fix will depend on what is causing the leak but there certainly are general steps you can take to do the most basic to try to fix it yourself.
The basic steps for most types of leaky faucets are…
1. Turn off the water to your faucet from the shut off valve under the sink.
2. Take the faucet apart by removing it’s components. Make sure to take a picture of where each part goes so you can put it all back together again. You will probably need a screwdriver and a crescent wrench.
3. Replace any parts that seem worn out or corroded.
4. Clean all parts before putting them all back together. You can use distilled white vinegar and a soft scouring pad.
Of course, every faucet will be different depending on the make and model but generally speaking – these are the overall basic steps to fix some of the most common reasons that your faucet may be leaking.
How Much Does A Plumber Charge To Fix A Leaky Faucet?
Plumber’s costs depend on the amount of time to complete the project and the cost of the materials needed for the project. Call your plumber or call us if you are here in Georgia and we will be happy to speak with you about the cost for your leaky faucet project.
If you are having problems with leaky faucets, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.