There’s nothing more annoying than a dripping faucet. You’ve turned the water on, washed your hands, and turned the faucet to the off position, but the water hasn’t stopped. This is a common problem for older faucets and it can be due to a number of things, including a bad washer, valve stem, or cartridge.
According to USGS, a single faucet that drips three times per minute will drip 4,320 times per day and will waste 104 gallons of water a year. That’s slightly more than a liter a day.
The most efficient way to fix a leaking faucet is to seek professional help. However, if it’s going to be a few days before you can arrange for a plumber to come fix the issue, you will want to stop the irritating slap of water against the surface of your sink in the meantime. A temporary fix can easily be accomplished by tying a string around the faucet, making sure the string goes around the aerator or over the faucet spout. Then, let the end of the string hang down to the sink. The string will collect the dripping water and funnel it quietly down the drain. Another option for a quick fix is to shut off the emergency stop or valve to the faucet to stop the dripping until you can get the faucet fixed by a plumber.
While it is possible to take the steps of fixing this issue without professional help, it’s not advised. You will first need to identify what kind of faucet you have. A compression faucet that has a handle for hot water and a handle for cold water is the least complex type of faucet to fix if you are going to attempt to fix it on your own. Other types of faucets that have a swiveling arm are more complicated to fix. If you are unsure about which type of faucet you have or don’t have the necessary tools, it’s best to contact a professional.
Fixing a dripping faucet yourself is not an easy task. Luckily, you can always call Mr. Plumber. Our professional plumbers< can come out to your Atlanta area home, inspect your leaking faucet, and repair or replace it. We’ll even explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
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