Tuesday, March 6, 2012

How To Fix That Leaky Bathtub Faucet - Fast!

Fixing a leaky bathtub faucet - or any other leaky faucet for that matter - can be an costly job - Unless you can do it yourself!

In this article we want to look at the most base surmise for a leaky faucet and show you how to fix it speedily and cheaply.

Bathroom Faucets

Preparation

How To Fix That Leaky Bathtub Faucet - Fast!

It almost goes without saying that you should turn the water off first! Where to find the deal with that does that? Just look under your sink and see where the pipes run. Somewhere along their length you will see whether a deal with or a wheel you can use to shut the mains supply off. In nearly every case you will need to turn it clockwise to shut.

One other making ready is to block the sink drain - just to preclude a nasty crisis with something loose (like a screw or a small nut) disappearing down the drain never to be seen again. Use the plug you ordinarily use, or put some cloth into the aperture. No good being wise after the event!

And - even though it goes without saying - make sure you have bought a exchange washer (or two) from the local hardware store - you don't want to be looking for that when you have the faucet in pieces do you!

Action

Locate the screw that is holding the deal with of the faucet in place (it may be hidden behind a small plate or cover and that cover needs to be prised off using a small screwdriver or similar). Then undo the screw.

The next job is to get the handles off. Use a screwdriver to do this - you might need to use a small bit of force to prise it but it will come.

Now you will see the old washer (don't worry if not, we will put one in place anyway). Take off the old washer and replace with the new. Observation that the hole in the washer should just be a touch bigger than the central post that the deal with turns.

Now retighten the handle, but only hand tight i.e. Only until it stops turning without extra force needing to be applied.

Next, turn on the water again and see what happens! If there's no leak you're home and dry (excuse the pun!). If it still leaks, try tightening the deal with a small more.

If it still leaks after that- then the problem is elsewhere and you'll need to get a plumber after all. But al least it was worth a try!

(And by the way - if you Observation a big build up of lime nearby the deal with - clean that off with a extra removal goods from your hardware store - it will pay you in the long run).

Things needed

A screwdriver or two - maybe one flathead and one Phillips or cross-screw. Also two washers (maybe take the old one off ahead of your visit to the store to be sure of getting the right one, or just buy a pack of mixed washers - not an costly buy).

How To Fix That Leaky Bathtub Faucet - Fast!