Fix those leaky faucets yourself and cut that high water bill down to size. Easy, step-by-step procedures and a list of necessary tools.
One of the most costly issues facing every homeowner or renter is plumbing repair. Licensed plumbers are expensive, not to mention, difficult to find on short notice. And water bills continue to climb, each year. However, most plumbing repairs can be effected with a minimum of out of pocket expensive and knowledge. In this article, we'll look at some ways to save you both time and money.
The Plumber's Toolbox
There are a few basic items that you'll need for basic plumbing repairs. All of them can be purchased at you friendly neighborhood discount store and none of them will break the bank. Here's a list of tools and items that'll make your plumbing repairs much easier.
8' pipe wrench- Also called a monkey wrench, this handy gadget will help disconnect pipes and outdoor faucet heads. It's fully adjustable and will fit any size water line, excluding large drains.
8" crescent wrench- One of the most versatile tools ever invented. The crescent wrench is used to loosen and tighten bolts and nuts. Can be adjusted to fit a wide range of sizes. It can also be used in a pinch as a makeshift valve wrench to turn off the water meter.
Teflon tape- Teflon tape is another "miracle product" and has all but replaced other forms of pipe-thread sealers. It's very inexpensive and a roll goes a long way. Used to wrap around pipe threads before connecting joints, it effectively stops water leaks. Can also be used on natural gas service lines.
Plumbers auger- Also commonly called a "snake," these handy gadgets are used to remove clogs from drains. A 12' snake can be purchased in discount stores for under $20.00.
hose clamps- You can never have enough hose clamps. Inexpensive and when you need one, nothing else will do. Clamps are available in a wide range of sizes, from a quarter inch in diameter to 6" or larger. Try to keep an assortment on hand. Can be used to install temporary water lines, washing machine and dishwasher hoses.
Faucet washers- Most leaky faucets are the result of worn washers. These small, hard rubber washers are easy to remove and replace and can easily save you $100-200 a year, in water bills. A pack of washers will contain 20-30 of assorted thickness and diameter. There will be at least a couple of washers to fit any size faucet, in the pack. When you select one for use, simply pick one that fits snugly into the faucet set. More on this in a moment.
Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers- You can purchase a pack of assorted screwdrivers for under $5.00 and you'll never make a better investment.
Making Repairs to leaky faucets
Now that you have your toolbox filled with the right tools, let's fix a leaky faucet. The first thing we must do is disconnect the water supply to that particular faucet. Almost all apartment sinks and tubs have a cut-off valve, on the supply line. To cut off the water, just turn the handle on the cut-off valve. If the line has no cut-off valve, you'll need to turn off the supply line at your water meter. The water meter is normally located outside, in either the front of side yard. To turn off the water, remove the cover from the meter. Inside, you'll see a supply line running into the meter. You can't miss it. On that line is a small valve knob. You'll need your crescent wrench to turn this valve to the "off" position. Once that's done, you're ready to move inside and fix the faucet.
Although faucets come in a variety of styles, they're all the same, basically. First, remove the faucet handle. This is done by removing a screw in the top of the handle. This screw connects the handle to the faucet-set. Some faucet handles are actually caps, and don't have this screw. They merely sit down tightly on top of the set. To remove these types of handles, simply apply firm and consistent pressure to opposite sides of the cap and lift. It may take a bit, but they'll generally come off with little effort.
After removing the handle or cap, you're ready to remove the set. Most sets are "seated" into the water supply line by a large hex shaped nut that screws directly onto the line. You'll need the crescent wrench for this job. Carefully place the crescent on the hex nut and turn in a counterclockwise motion. The entire set will lift out of the supply line.
On the bottom of the set, you'll notice the old washer. It will most likely be badly worn or perhaps even missing. They tend to grind down over time, with the casual use of the faucet. If it's still on the bottom of the set, it'll be held in place by a small Phillips screw. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw, then remove the worn washer. Using a small flathead screwdriver, scrap away any bit or pieces of the old washer from the bottom of the set.
Next, choose a replacement from the pack. Not all sets are the same size and you may need to try a couple of different washers before finding the right one. Once you find it, place it in the space inside the set and re-insert the screw. Tighten the screw until the washer is expanded outward and covers the bottom of the set. If the washer is too small, it won't cover the entire bottom and the faucet will leak. It the washer is too large, it won't fit into the space at all. You'll have no trouble recognizing the correct washer.
Once that's done, take the Teflon tape and wrap a small section tightly around the pipe threads on the seat. Then screw the set back into the supply line and tighten with the crescent wrench. Now, you only have to reattach the handle and turn the water on at the meter. The faucet is now good as new.
