Plumbers Near Me work with pipes that transport water, waste, and sewage. They install and repair these systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Plumbers must have strong customer service skills to interact with clients, as well as be able to read blueprints and understand technical specifications. They also need to be physically fit and able to work in confined spaces.
Faucets are a critical component of your home’s plumbing. They are used to dispense water, but they can also cause problems when they begin to leak. The good news is that it’s usually a simple fix to get your faucet back in working order.
Over time, it’s almost inevitable that some of the parts of your faucet will wear out or become loose, which can lead to a leak. This can be due to age or just regular wear and tear, but it could also be caused by rough handling, over-tightening the handle, or even high water pressure. If left untreated, a leaky faucet can lead to costly water damage in your home.
If your faucet is leaking, it’s important to turn off the water supply before beginning any work. This can be done by finding the shut-off valve under your sink and turning it clockwise. Once the water is turned off, you can begin examining the faucet for the source of the leak.
Leaks from a Cartridge-Style Faucet
If you have a cartridge-style faucet, you may be able to repair it by replacing the rubber seals or adjusting the disc inside the cartridge. If the spout is still leaking, you’ll need to remove the handle and pry off the decorative cover to access the Allen screw on the underside. Using an Allen wrench, loosen the screw by turning counterclockwise until it’s free.
Remove the escutcheon cap, unscrew the disk cylinder mounting screws, and lift out the cylinder. Clean the cylinder openings with distilled white vinegar and a scouring pad to make sure there are no deposits. Replace the neoprene seals and reassemble the faucet.
If you have a ball-valve faucet, the problem may be the seat or stem. Examine the stem for any signs of wear, and replace it if necessary. Replace the seat and stem washers, and reassemble the faucet. If you find that your faucet is dripping from the base of the handle, you may need to replace the adjusting ring or a washer. You can buy these at most hardware stores or plumbing supplies specialists.
Faucet Replacement
Your kitchen and bathroom faucets are among the most used fixtures in your home. If they become damaged or worn out, it may be time to replace them. Here are some of the top signs that your faucets need to be replaced:
Leaking Faucets
A leaking faucet can waste water and add extra cost to your utility bills. It can also lead to expensive damage to the cabinet or floor beneath the sink. A plumber can usually fix a leaky faucet by tightening or replacing some of the parts. However, if the faucet is old or worn out, it may be more cost effective to just replace the entire faucet.
Broken Faucet Handles
If your faucet handles are cracked or broken, it’s time to replace them. Not only do they look bad, but they can also be dangerous if you have young children or elderly people living in your home. Fortunately, installing new faucet handles is a relatively simple job that most plumbers can do.
Screaming or Whining Faucets
Noisy faucets can be irritating, but they’re also a sign that there are problems with your plumbing system. Insufficient water pressure is often the culprit, but it can be caused by hard water deposits, corrosion, or a stuck valve. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
Before you can install a new faucet, you’ll need to remove the existing one. Start by looking under the sink and locating the incoming water lines. There should be two shut-off valves, one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn the water off by turning the handle clockwise. Next, open the faucet to drain any remaining water in the lines.
Once the water is turned off, you can begin removing the old faucet. Be sure to note how the faucet was connected to the pipes so you can reconnect the water line properly when you’re finished. Also, be sure to keep any tools or parts you removed, including the screw that holds the washer (use penetrating oil if necessary to loosen it).
Many new faucets come with supply lines, but they’re not always the right length. If you need to buy replacement lines, make sure they match the threads on your shut-off valves.
Faucet Parts
Faucets are an essential kitchen and bathroom accessory that allows us to access hot, cold and mixed-temperature water on demand. They are also responsible for regulating the flow of water to your sink, and as such, they need to be in good working condition at all times. However, due to the many parts of a faucet, they are not immune to wear and tear over time. Fortunately, knowing the basics of a faucet can help you identify and understand what makes up your faucet so that you can maintain and repair it as needed.
Most Faucets Have Similar Parts
There are several common components found in most faucets, including handles, a spout and valves that control water delivery to the sink. Each of these parts plays a role in the overall functionality and appearance of your sink faucet, so it’s important to know how they work together.
One of the most obvious faucet parts is the handle, which functions by opening and closing the valve that’s connected to your home’s water supply line. It is also responsible for turning on and off the spout to release water. There are two types of handles: single and double. While the single-handle faucet is more common, it is possible to find a two-handle design that’s just as attractive.
The spout itself is typically located at the tip of your faucet’s shaft. It may be adjustable, allowing you to position it where you like it. Some spout designs include a pull-down sprayer that retracts into the spout when not in use. Other spouts may have an index button that you can push to initiate a spray or stream of water.
Inside the spout, there are valves that control the amount of water that comes out and the temperature of the water. The cam and packing assembly is a type of valve that contains a cam mechanism that turns the ball, which in turn controls how much water flows through the spout. There is also a packing material that seals around the ball to prevent leaks.
Other important faucet parts include the water shut-off valve, which is typically located in your home’s plumbing system where it connects to the faucet. This is an essential element of your plumbing that needs to be in good working condition to ensure that your home stays safe from leaks and other problems.
Faucet Installation
If you’re ready for a new faucet, the good news is that it’s probably easier than you think to install it yourself. You’ll need a few basic tools, but the biggest challenge is simply getting brave enough to do it. Most modern kitchen faucets come with detailed instructions, so it’s definitely worth a try if you have the skills and inclination. Just remember to turn off the water to your sink before you start work, and make sure you have a pillow, pan or towels under the counter to catch drips, and glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
First, it’s a good idea to give the faucet’s mounting surface a thorough scrub. This helps ensure you’re working in a clean area, and it will also make it easier to remove the old faucet. Next, shut off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink by turning them clockwise. If you have a garbage disposal, be sure to unplug it, too.
Some newer faucets include flexible tubing for the hot and cold water supplies already attached to the faucet body. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to connect them by hand. Wrap the threads on the ends of each tube with Teflon tape before screwing them on, and then attach them to the hot and cold supply valves under the sink.
If your new faucet has a side sprayer, be sure to reinstall it after installing the faucet body. This will help prevent leaks and keep the fixture properly positioned. You may need to replace the aerator, too, especially if there’s dirt or debris in the lines that could clog it.
When you’re finished, reattach the hoses to the faucet body and then tighten the nuts underneath. Be careful not to cross the tubes, and be sure to curve them to avoid kinks or knots. When you’re finished, reconnect the water supply and test your faucet to be sure it works correctly. If you notice any signs of leaks or other damage to the sink or supply lines, it’s best to call a plumber for professional repairs.