Leaky Faucets

At a glance..

Faucets manufactured without benefit of state-of-the-art technology are not immune from leakage, but making repairs is usually an easy task. You can use the information in this booklet as a guide to repair.

The details..

The Leaky Faucets How-To Booklet #3011 is an essential guide for anyone looking to repair their own faucets at home. The booklet covers both compression and noncompression faucets, providing detailed instructions on how to fix leaks using washers or other devices such as neoprene caps.

The book begins with a tool and material checklist that outlines everything needed for successful faucet repairs. Readers will need pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, packing string, wiping cloths, steel wool, washer assortments, valve seat wrenches and Phillips/Standard screwdrivers among others.

Compression faucet repairs are explained in detail with diagrams illustrating each step of the process from turning off the water supply before work commences through removing handles from stems without causing damage by using special pullers; loosening stem retaining nuts; replacing old washers with new ones held in place by brass screws; checking seats inside the faucet against which washers sit for roughness (which can be eliminated by rotating a valve seat reamer); replacing damaged seats if necessary or discarding entire units where replaceable seats aren't available.

Tipping Valve Faucet Repairs are also covered extensively along with Cartridge Faucet Repairs. Tipping valves seldom fail so readers should first check whether leaks are being caused by damaged seats before attempting any replacements. For cartridge-style taps there may be clips securing cartridges within handles that must first be removed before proceeding further.