Leaking Faucet Repair

There is no way to make any repairs to your system while the bathtub water is still running. Some systems will allow you to turn off the water from just below the sink. If this is not an option in your home, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the entire house while you make the necessary repairs. Once your water is turned off, turn the handles of the bathtub faucet to the position as if you were going to run a bath. This allows you to drain any excess water from the pipes before you start your repairs.

In order to replace the washers on your faucet, you need to first remove the handles. You should start by using a pocketknife or thin flathead screwdriver to pry off the handle inserts. These are the covers on the handles. They are usually plastic and come with a hot or cold label on them. Once the inserts are removed, you will see a screw on each of the handles. Next, remove the screws with a screwdriver. Once you have the screws removed, you’ll be able to disconnect the handles from the stems. This is usually the most difficult step in the repairs, because corrosion can cause the handles and stems to stick together. It will be very hard to get them apart, so if you can’t get them off on your own, try using a special tool called a handle puller. Either way, don’t force the handles off because that can damage your faucet almost beyond repair. If the handle puller isn’t working, then you should give us a call at A-1 American.

Once you’ve removed the faucet handles, you can replace the washers. First, use a screwdriver to remove the seat washer screws from the stems. This allows you to take the old washers off. Most likely you’ll need something to pry them off of the fitting. Afterwards, replace the washers as well as the seat washer screws with brand new ones. It’s a good idea to use some liquid thread sealant on the stem’s threads and put them back into the faucet openings. Most of the hard labor is then finished.