Plumbing is the trade that involves laying and maintaining pipes, fixtures and appliances for water supply and sewage disposal. Its important for people to understand some basic plumbing tips so that they can repair and maintain their home plumbing efficiently.
City water enters the house through a main pipe that runs from the street to the sewer line inside the house. It’s also important to know how to shut off the main water valve in case of an emergency. Contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for professional help.
Faucet handles aren’t just functional; they can also elevate bathroom design and shape the aesthetic of the room. Explore a wide range of handle styles to find the perfect match for your personal style and bathroom decor.
The most common type of faucet handles are knob-style handles, which feature a rounded knob that opens and closes the valve with a screwlike motion. These are affordable, versatile, and available in a variety of colors and finishes.
Leaking faucet handles are a common problem that can lead to water waste and a flooded home if not addressed early on. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to preventing leaking faucets. Property owners should ideally inspect their faucets every three to six months and look for signs of wear, leaks, or corrosion.
When a faucet handle is leaking, it’s important to shut off the sink’s water supply valves immediately. It’s also a good idea to close the drain and put a towel in the sink to prevent any screws, parts, or tools from falling down the drain and getting wet.
If you can’t get the leak to stop, it may be time to replace the faucet handle. The first step is to determine which side the leak is coming from. You can then shut off the water supply valves on that side one at a time to prevent accidentally flooding the house.
Once the faucet is unplugged, remove the handle and pry off any decorative caps to expose the screw underneath. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw, and then gently pry off the handle. If the handle is stuck, try using a handle puller to loosen it. Once the handle is removed, you can examine the inner components and repair or replace them as needed.
Most of the steps for repairing a leaky faucet handle are the same for all types of faucets, but different types require different parts and methods. Follow the specific instructions for your particular faucet to ensure the best results. For example, to fix a cartridge-type faucet, you’ll need to remove the handle and then the screw, pry out the old cartridge, and install the new one.
Faucet Valve
Faucets are regulated by valves, which control both the flow and temperature of the water that is dispensed. There are several types of faucet valves, which differ in how they work and function, including ball, cartridge, and ceramic-disk valves. Choosing the right valve for your faucet is crucial, as it will determine how often and easily it will need to be repaired.
Most people are familiar with dual-handle faucets, which operate by having a handle for hot and cold water and allow the user to adjust both temperatures and the flow rate of the water. However, there are also single-handle faucets which only use a lever or knob for hot and cold water control. Single-handle faucets are commonly found in tub filler and sink faucets. These valves are usually made from metal, such as brass and stainless steel, but can also be constructed of plastic or ceramic.
The type of valve used in a faucet depends on the kind of plumbing installation in your home and the kind of water supply that is available. For instance, some shower faucets are supplied with tub filler valves that are connected to the main hot and cold water lines of the home. While these are convenient, they aren’t designed for use with a separate shower head and may not provide the best control of water temperature.
In these cases, a separate shower head faucet with a separate valve is a better option. The newer cartridge valves, which are commonly used in shower faucets, have become very popular as they offer high precision and superior longevity compared to older valve designs. These cartridges consist of two rotating discs that align when the faucet is turned on, regulating both water flow and temperature settings. They are also very easy to repair if the O-ring becomes worn out, but they can require some maintenance due to sediment buildup.
Whether you’re working with a cartridge, dual-handle or single-handle faucet, it is important to disconnect the power before performing any repairs. This can prevent electrical shock and other accidents. After the power is turned off, it’s a good idea to drain the pipes by turning on every faucet in your home to ensure that all the water has been drained. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for making repairs.
Faucet Cartridge
Cartridge faucets, both single- and double-handle, have a small component that controls the flow of hot and cold water. The cartridge is responsible for mixing the water and regulating its intensity, so it’s important that the part works properly. If the cartridge wears out, however, the faucet will start leaking or dripping. It’s also possible that the water temperature will become difficult to control. These problems are a sign that it’s time to replace the cartridge.
Replacing a faucet cartridge is relatively simple, especially for a single-handle cartridge faucet. First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the handle and decorative cap from the faucet. Next, locate and unscrew the screw holding the escutcheon or decorative sleeve that covers the cartridge. Then, unscrew the retaining nut that holds the cartridge in place using an adjustable wrench or water pump pliers. Pull out the old cartridge and install the new one.
The cartridge in a two-handle faucet works similarly, although there is often more to remove to reach the old cartridge. The handle itself may be removed, and a screw at the base of the handle or a bonnet nut might need to be removed with an adjustable wrench or hex key. There is also a cap under the lever that needs to be unscrewed, and there might be an o-ring or spring inside the faucet that must be removed.
Once the old cartridge is removed, the faucet will need to be reassembled by replacing the o-ring and spring and reattaching the retaining clip (if applicable). Then, install the new cartridge and screw it in place with an adjustable wrench or hex key. Reinstall the decorative cap, if necessary, and then reassemble the handle by turning the water on to check for leaks and proper function.
The lifespan of a cartridge depends on the quality of the water and how the faucet is maintained, but it typically lasts for 15 to 20 years. It is a good idea to inspect the cartridge on a regular basis, particularly in areas with hard water. If you see rust or mineral deposits, it’s time to replace the cartridge.
Faucet Body
A faucet’s body encases the cartridge, handle, hose and other components. It can be made of brass or other materials that resist corrosion and calcification. It can be polished and plated to provide different colors and finishes. After machining, the parts are inspected with a go/no-go gauge to ensure precise dimensions and a snug fit. Then, a clear polymer coating is applied to improve durability and protect the faucet from surface imper-fections. A brass finish is the most common, but consumers can choose from a wide range of colors and special finishes like brushed nickel and satin black.
Most faucets come in a choice of single- or double-handle configuration. The handle works by moving a lever or cam to regulate the flow of hot and cold water through the mixing spout. The lever or cam can also be manipulated to change the spray pattern from stream to jet.
Many homeowner plumbing problems are the result of a leaking faucet. This can be a nuisance and a waste of money, but it can usually be fixed by following simple repair instructions specific to your sink type. A leaky faucet often begins at the cartridge or ball, but other problem areas can be the result of worn washers or O-rings in the body. If you are replacing one or more of these components, make sure to use only the manufacturer’s recommended parts.
Before attempting any faucet repair, shut off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink. Place a towel under the sink to protect the surface and catch dropped parts. Once the work area is cleared, turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water in the lines.
If you are replacing any parts in your faucet, remove the decorative cap on the handle with a screwdriver and unscrew the handle screw. Then, use an adjustable wrench or basin wrench to loosen the nut holding the cartridge in the faucet body. Then lift the handle and unscrew the cam nut to expose the plastic cam and metal ball. You can now replace the cartridge or “O” rings if necessary. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order, being careful that the cartridge holes align with the inlet ports on the faucet body.
