# Category : Home repair

## Fixing a Leaking Washer Faucet

A dripping faucet is a source of torture, especially while you’re trying to sleep at night. It also adds to your water bill as all those unused drips go wasted down the drain. There’s no need to call in a plumber, though. Stop a washer faucet from leaking with just a few simple steps.

#### 1. Shut off the water supply

If there’s a shut-off valve under the faucet, cut the water supply from that point. If not, you have to shut the water off at the main shut-off valve. Turn off the hot water supply at the water heater.

#### 2. Disassemble the faucet

Remove the handle by loosening the screw. This screw is likely found under the decorative cap. The cap unscrews or pops off, depending on the type of faucet. Lift the handle off its stem and unscrew the packing nut. Remove the stem itself by rotating it.

#### 3. Inspect the stem

Look the stem over for signs of corrosion. If the threads are corroded or damaged, you need to replace the stem. Clean dirty threads before replacing the stem.

#### 4. Inspect the washer

Check the washer located on the bottom end of the stem for signs of wear or damage. If the washer appears worn or damaged, remove the brass screw holding it in place and install a new one. Be sure that the replacement is the same size and type of material.

#### 5. Look over the washer seat

If you find that you are having to replace washers often, it’s most likely that there is damage to the washer seat. The seat is located inside the faucet body. If there is damage or corrosion on the washer seat, it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

#### 6. Reassemble the faucet

Once you have replaced the washer and resurfaced or replaced the seat, your faucet functions like new. Put the faucet back together by reversing the order in which you took it apart. Lubricate the threads with a little petroleum jelly or silicone grease. Turn the water back on when you finish and inspect for any further leaks.

Now more than ever, folks are looking for ways to save money. You are often able to stop a washer faucet from leaking with just a few parts from your local hardware store. Be sure to take the old parts to the store along with you to make sure the new ones are the same.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In Home repair

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## Replacing Exterior Faucets

Plumbing can be an intimidating subject for some homeowners. But others have learned through the years that they can take care of more plumbing issues than thought. Putting in or repairing exterior faucets may seem like one of the more easier home maintenance tasks, but the key to any home repair task is knowledge. Do your research before tackling exterior faucet replacement or repair.

### Overview

Exterior faucets are the faucets on the outside of a building. When you are searching for information about installing or repairing exterior faucets, an interchangeable term is outdoor faucets. Though exterior faucets are the most likely faucets to freeze in very cold weather, they are also easiest to protect. This article will mention a couple different solutions to protect faucets placed in such a vulnerable area.
Homeowners may also face the task of repairing or replacing exterior faucets for reasons other than cold weather at some point in the life of their house. These tasks can be taken care of by a careful, knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer with the help of useful exterior faucet products.

### Review

There are frost-proof faucets that can be bought from venues like hardware stores and departments, plumbing specialty stores, big-box home improvement centers, and even online. These frost-proof faucets can go by several names, including freezeless or frost-proof hose bib, sill cock or faucet.
When you have to replace an exterior faucet for whatever reason, you might want to look into getting a frost-proof model. Ask before you buy if you are unsure whether the faucet is frost-proof. One brand of exterior faucet is Moen, which has several styles available. The Moen Cold Outdoor 8 in. Sill Faucet at Home Depot has a frost-free design even though there is no mention of it in the name. Arrowhead Brass and Plumbing manufactures the 450 series frost-free standard lawn faucets. Simmons Manufacturing makes a no-lead frost-proof yard hydrant. This is a free-standing hydrant and provides water access year-round.

### Pros

Frost-proof exterior faucets will protect from the freezing conditions that could lead to burst pipes in wintertime. Regular outdoor faucets are susceptible to extreme cold temperatures because the connection between the supply pipe and the faucet is outdoors where the water traveling through the connection can easily freeze. Most frost-proof faucets are sold at a reasonable price, usually in the range of $25$35.

### Cons

Regular exterior faucets cost less than half the cost of frost-proof exterior faucets. You may find you have invested in a frost-free faucet when you could have simply bought a faucet covered specifically designed to insulate outdoor faucets in cold weather for a few dollars. Another con is you will need to take time to gather do-it-yourself information before you install an exterior faucet. You should call your local plumber to be sure of the plumbing regulations relating to exterior faucets in your area. Your supply pipes may need to be a certain diameter in size and you may need an approved shut-off valve and vacuum breaker. You should know plumbing regulations before buying a faucet because you may need special materials.

Replacing and maintaining exterior faucets are two of the many obligations of home ownership. Do-it-yourselfers should feel confident fulfilling these obligations themselves after they have learned all they need to know about exterior faucet plumbing. Don’t hesitate to use the advice of local plumbers and experts at the home improvement or hardware store of your choice. You will find exterior faucets and related parts at these stores so you can go home with the knowledge and the materials necessary to complete the task.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In Home repair

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## Replacing Your Leaking Cartridge Faucet

One of the most common repairs in the home is having to replace a leaking cartridge faucet. Despite what many people think, it is not difficult to do a cartridge faucet repair yourself, saving you an expensive plumber’s bill. It does not require any specialized tools. This guide shows you the tools required, and the process to follow in order to replace a leaking cartridge faucet.

### What is a Cartridge Faucet?

The cartridge faucet regulates the water flow that comes out of the tap. It can also control the temperature of the water. If you have a leak in your cartridge faucet, it is usually caused by a small rubber ring wearing out or the faucet itself becoming worn.

### What Tools are Required to Replace a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

There are only a few main tools that are required when replacing a leaking cartridge faucet. You will need a screwdriver, a utility knife, and a pair of needlepoint pliers. You will also require some water pump pliers and a new cartridge.

### Do You Need to Turn Off the Water Before Replacing a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

You will definitely need to turn off the water supply before replacing a cartridge faucet. You can choose to either turn the water off under the sink or cut it off at the main water supply.

### How do You Repair a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

The first step is to remove the handle of the faucet by unscrewing the screws on the handle. The plastic retaining nut is exposed; this needs removing using water pump pliers. The faucet spout is then removed by lifting it straight up. You will see the cartridge faucet with a rubber O-ring around it. If you have not already purchased a replacement cartridge faucet, take the old one with you to the hardware store. This way you can make sure you get the correct one. The O-ring must be removed before you are able to use the pliers to remove the cartridge faucet. Put the new cartridge faucet in place and place the O-ring on the faucet cylinder. You may need to coat the O-ring with grease before you can place it back on. Place the faucet spout back on, put the plastic retaining nut on, and replace the handle. Turn your water back on to check that the leaking has stopped.

Do not be afraid of trying to repair or replace a cartridge faucet yourself. As long as you remember to turn the water off at the mains, you do not need to worry about your kitchen becoming flooded. Make sure you get the correct cartridge faucet as the one you previously had. Otherwise, you may find that it does not fit correctly and you may still have a leak.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In Home repair

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