When your plumbing system works well, you probably never even think about it. You simply use the faucets and fixtures whenever you need water. Plumbing systems are prone to problems, though, and one problem you might encounter is a leaky faucet. Do you know what to do when you experience this problem? If not, here are some tips to help you know what to do.
Wiggle the Handle to See If You Can Stop It from Leaking
If the leaky faucet is dripping water, you might want to start by wiggling the handle. If you wiggle it enough, you might find a position to leave it in that stops the faucet from dripping. If your leak is underneath the sink, this step might not help you solve the issue.
Place a Bucket under the Sink
Another thing you can do is to place a bucket under the sink. If the pipe is leaking, it might allow water to spill into your cabinet. To prevent water damage and further problems, you can place a bucket in this area to collect the water that drips out of the pipe.
Shut Off the Water
Next, you might want to look for a shut-off valve under the faucet. As you look, you might see two valves. If so, it means that you have one for the hot water and one for the cold water. You can turn both valves to the off position. When you do this, you shut off the water supply to this fixture. With the water shut off, you will not have any water leaking out. You also will not be able to use this fixture until you get it repaired.
Contact a Plumber
If you can fix things yourself, you might want to see if you can locate the problem. If so, can you fix it? Some people can fix plumbing issues themselves, but others cannot. People that cannot fix plumbing problems can call a plumbing contractor for repairs. When you call, make sure you explain the problem. The plumber might have to replace your faucet to fix the issue, and you might have to purchase a new faucet. If the issue is with a pipe, the plumber might have to replace the pipes instead.
If you are experiencing a plumbing problem like this, contact a residential plumber. Plumbers can fix all types of issues that homeowners have with their plumbing systems.
For more information, contact a residential plumber today.
Share18 December 2020
My homes have always had either copper or PVC plumbing pipes. But when my plumbing system needed an overhaul last spring, I wanted a piping system for my home that I could work on myself when needed. There were a lot of good reasons to choose PEX piping, but my favorite thing about the PEX piping is that it's easy to work with, even if you're a beginner like me. Now I can make small repairs myself instead of calling the plumber every time I have a minor leak or other small problem. I still call the plumber for the big stuff, but it's more affordable now that I can take care of small issues myself. I started this blog to help others learn how they, too, can do DIY plumbing repairs at home.