Fixing your Leaky Faucet – DIY

Plumbing Services

If you want to save some money by fixing a leaky faucet yourself, here are some tips. Of course, we always recommend using a professional plumber in Ottawa.

Turn Off The Water
It’s crucial to shut off the water before you attempt any repairs. You can either shut off the water for the fixture you are repairing or use the main water shut-off valve.

Disassemble the Faucet
There are, of course, many brands of faucets. There may be differences, and it would be wise to review the faucet manual that came with your fixture. You can remove the caps on each handle with a flat-top screwdriver to reveal the handle screws for most fixtures. Unscrew and remove the handles.

Detach The Valve Stem
Again, it would be wise to review the faucet manual that came with your fixture before attempting this step. Remove the inner valve stem or cartridge, which should be visible after the handles are removed. With compression faucets, you may have to unscrew the brass valve stem. Cartridge faucets are more straightforward and can be detached easily.

Evaluate The Faucet Parts and Replace
Evaluate the rubber washers, O-rings, and seals. These are usually the parts that fail over time. Bring the worn down or damaged parts to your local hardware store to find the parts that you need.

Cleaning the Valves
Depending on the age of the faucet or how hard your water is, you may find mineral build-up in the cartridge or other parts of the faucet. Clean these with vinegar to restore the proper function.

Re-Assemble Faucet
Put the faucet back together and turn the water back on to test your repair job. If the faucet still leaks or if you have created another issue, turn the water back off.