Plumbing Northridge is a complex system that includes the distribution of water and gas to residential and commercial structures. It also involves the management of pipes, fixtures and appliances like sinks, toilets, tubs and water heaters.
Plumbers install, repair and maintain these systems. Their duties also include interpreting blueprints and building codes to ensure plumbing systems integrate seamlessly into construction projects.
A leaking faucet is annoying, wastes water, and can lead to higher utility bills. However, the problem is often relatively easy to fix and doesn’t require the services of a professional plumber. Homeowners can use a few simple tools and techniques to repair the leak. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help prevent leaks and other problems.
One of the most common causes of a leaky faucet is worn-out washers or O-rings. These small parts wear down due to friction against the inside of the valve seat. Once they wear out, the seal no longer fully closes and water leaks through the faucet handle. Replacing these parts is a fairly straightforward process, but it is important to ensure that the new parts are an exact match to avoid leaks caused by improperly sized components.
Loose parts are another common cause of leaky faucets. A professional plumber can tighten loose screws and other components to ensure that they are properly secured. They can also inspect the condition of the parts and replace them if necessary.
Corrosion of the faucet is another common cause of a leaking faucet. Over time, the metal corrodes, creating tiny crevices that allow water to seep through and cause a leak. A professional plumber can clean the corrosion from the interior of the faucet pipes and reseal the joints.
Once the leaky faucet has been repaired, homeowners should be sure to turn the water supply back on and check for any remaining leaks. A drip a second can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year, so it is important to keep an eye out for even small leaks and address them quickly.
It is also a good idea for homeowners to make a habit of regularly cleaning their sinks and faucets with mild cleaners and a soft cloth to avoid mineral and grime buildup. A routine of cleaning can help reduce the frequency of clogging and leaks, as well as reduce utility bills by eliminating wasted water. Additionally, homeowners should be sure to cover the sink drain with a rag or similar item before beginning work to avoid accidentally dropping small parts down the drain.
Disassembling the Faucet
If you are replacing a faucet, shut off the water supply valves under the sink. Put a towel in the sink to prevent scratches and to catch any dropped parts. With the supply tubes removed you can begin to disassemble the faucet.
Start with the handles and spout, making sure the water is off at the two valves under the sink. Use a screwdriver to remove the decorative cap or button at the top of each handle, which is usually used to hide a set screw. If the screw is hopelessly stuck, try a small, flat screwdriver to pry it out, but be careful not to break off the stem in the process. Once the set screws are out, the handles will come off. For the spout, you may need to loosen the plastic spacer plate and three O-rings that are beneath it.
With the handle assemblies and spout out of the way, you will be able to access the large mounting nuts that hold the faucet to the sink. These are often plastic and easy to turn counterclockwise with a basin wrench. If they are not, use channel-type pliers to loosen them.
The next item to remove is the sprayer hose. This snaps onto a fitting under the faucet, and should be easy to disconnect. Then remove the spout-to-faucet connection by loosening the large nut under the spout with a pair of pliers.
Once the spout and sprayer are out of the way, you should be able to see a big pipe where the water “tubes” go into the faucet body. There is a nut on the outside that snugs everything together. Just remove that nut and the whole faucet should slide right off.
Inspecting and Replacing Damaged Parts
A plumber can inspect all the accessible plumbing in your home, ensuring that pipes have adequate insulation and are free of cracks or other damage. They can also check your water flow rate, identifying issues with supply lines such as inadequate pressure or insufficient water volume. A plumber can also check your drains and toilets for clogs, gurgling noises and slow-draining fixtures, identifying and resolving problems before they lead to bigger issues.
A plumbing inspection can also reveal potential safety hazards like leaks near electricity, improper venting of gas appliances and cross-connections between your water sources. Having your plumber look at your current plumbing system can help you plan for future remodeling projects, and it can also prevent costly repair bills from arising due to unexpected problems.
When a pipe is cracked or damaged, it can quickly become a serious problem. Water can soak walls and floors, and even damage foundations. If left unattended, a corroded pipe could burst, creating hazardous conditions in your home and potentially contaminating your water. Fortunately, plumbers can identify these problems with advanced diagnostic tools and professional skills.
Using sophisticated tools such as moisture meters and video inspection cameras, plumbers can locate the source of your blockage, whether it is in a fixture, the main line or a drain. This enables them to use targeted and efficient interventions, minimizing disruption to your property and the health of its occupants. They can also install high-quality pipe replacements, ensuring that the new components will offer long-lasting performance.
If you are considering selling your home, a plumber can assess your plumbing system and provide documentation of its condition. This can raise your home’s value and help buyers feel confident about the quality of your plumbing. Moreover, it can protect you from plumbing problems that may arise shortly after the sale, as the comprehensive documentation will show that any issues were pre-existing rather than caused by the new owner.
Reassembling the Faucet
In most cases, repairing or replacing a faucet is a simple do-it-yourself project that you can complete without the assistance of professional plumbing services. Before you start, though, make sure that the water supply valves are turned off. This prevents water from gushing out as you disassemble the faucet. It also ensures that you can work in a clean environment and avoid water damage to your home. Once the water is off, you can begin by examining the faucet and gathering your tools. Keep track of the assembly order as you disassemble, and use plumber’s tape on threads to ensure a watertight seal upon reassembling.
If your faucet has a cartridge, first remove the handle by unscrewing the decorative cap (usually plastic) and pulling the handle off. This exposes a screw that holds the handle to the base. Once the handle is removed, use a wrench to loosen the packing nut and then unscrew the stem from the body of the faucet. Once you’ve unscrewed the stem, you can remove the worn washer and replace it. Be sure to coat the new washers with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease before reassembling the faucet.
Leaking disc faucets are often caused by sediment buildup between the ceramic discs. In most cases, you can fix this by disassembling the faucet and cleaning the discs with vinegar. Once the discs are clean, you can reassemble the faucet and test it for leaks.
Many modern sink faucets are fitted with spray hose units that have a diverter valve within the spout body, an activating lever and an aerator. If one of these parts begins to leak, you can usually repair it by disassembling the spout and replacing the old O-ring, which sits in a round retaining disk called a retainer ring.
Most single-lever faucets are relatively easy to repair, especially if you have a specific kit designed for your particular model. These kits typically include detailed instructions and diagrams, as well as replacement parts that are exact matches for your existing faucet. Once you have the correct replacement parts, it should only take a few minutes to completely disassemble and inspect your faucet for signs of leaking or other problems.