8 Useful Tips to Fix a Leaky Faucet Yourself

The steady dripping sound of a leaky faucet seems unbearable for most homeowners in Dallas. They might have suffered from many restless nights because of the constant dripping of leaking faucets. Whenever homeowners encounter this type of issue, they often try to fix themselves. 

Sometimes, it seems like an easy fix; but sometimes, you may need help from a professional handyman near you in Dallas. You should go through the post, especially if you want to fix your leaky faucet. 

Get the right tools. 

It’s better to get the right tools beforehand to get the job done right.  The tools you will use depend on the type of leak and the reason behind it. You may need the following tools:

• Hex wrench 
• Pipe wrench 
• Crescent wrench 
• Drain stopper 
• Flat head screwdriver 
• Basin or sink wrench 
• Adjustable pliers 
• Rags 

2. Know the leak source. 

Once you get all the tools, you have to know the source of a leaking faucet. Look at where the water is dripping from. If it’s coming from the faucet base, it’s dripping from the faucet, probably due to damage. 

3. Switch off the water. 

Now you need to switch off the water to the leaking faucet. If the sink is leaking, usually, there is a stop valve present under the sink. 

Depending on the type of sink, there may be one or more than one valve. You should always look for it if it takes more time to find it. You can switch off the water connection for the entire home. Open the faucet handle and remove any remaining pressure in the lines. You can keep a rag over the drain hole to protect it and prevent losing parts further. 

4. Remove the faucet handle. 

After you switch the water off to the faucet or the entire house, you just take off the handle. Use a hex wrench to remove the faucet handle and metal cap. If the faucet base leaks, just slide the spout off and replace the damaged o-rings. If the faucet spout leaks, remove the handle and cap and disassemble the cartridge or internal parts. Lay out the parts in proper order and take a picture on your phone so that you will reassemble them easily later. 

5. Find the damaged parts. 

Once you have all the pieces of the faucet laid out in front of you, it will be easy to spot the issue. Typically, the damaged parts are often rusted, broken, or warped. 

6. Replace the damaged parts. 

Once you know the exact problem, you should replace the damaged parts. Replace all components in the faucet cartridge. If one internal part gets damaged, other parts may likely go wrong. Take these parts with you to the hardware store, so you know exactly what you need to replace. 

7. Install new parts. 

When you have bought the replacement parts, you must install them in your faucet. The new parts are available with instruction manuals so you will know how to install them properly. Once you install all parts, open the faucet handle and turn back on the water supply slowly. Allow air to bleed out the lines and shut off the faucet handle. 

8. Hire a professional handyman in Dallas 

If your sink is still leaking after following all these steps, then it’s time to call in professional help from an experienced handyman near you in Dallas. You should sign up on AllBetter and find the right handyman in Dallas to get the job done right. Register now and take advantage of special offers and discounts.