A leaking tap can be problematic to deal with. For many people, the incessant sound of dripping water can be bothersome and annoying. Furthermore, while a leaking tap may only drip small amounts of water at a time, the fact is that this water can add up considerably over time. When a leak is not repaired quickly, the result is that your water bill could be much higher than necessary. Many homeowners would prefer to repair or replace their tap on their own if possible as this would eliminate the need to pay a plumber for repair services. With a closer look at the steps necessary to correct your current plumbing issue, you may be able to determine if you can handle this issue on your own or if you need to call a professional for assistance.
Step 1: Before you begin working on your tap, you will need to turn off the water supply. In most cases, you can simply turn the knob located under the sink to the off position. If this does not stop the water supply, you will need to turn off the main water supply to the house while you complete the work. This main water supply may be located in your basement or in your yard if you do not have a basement.
Step 2: Inspect your faucet to determine which type of faucet you have. There are two main types. One is a washer faucet, and this type of faucet has separate hot and cold knobs that rotate to control water flow. The other type is a ceramic faucet, and it has a lever design that moves in an upward and downward motion.
Step 3: If you have a washer faucet, you will need to remove the cover on the faucet. Typically, these are plastic covers that can easily be flipped off with a flat surface, such as a screwdriver head. Once removed, you will see screws. Remove these screws and nuts to locate the rubber washers. Replace these washers with new washers that you purchase at a local store. Then, reassemble the faucet by replacing the nuts, screws and covers.
Step 4: If you have a ceramic faucet with a lever design, you will need to research the brand name and model number of the faucet. Then, remove the cover and screws, if possible. The steps to repair this type of faucet can vary somewhat due to the unique designs of each model. However, you should be able to remove covers and screws with most models. You should find a canister mechanism that is held in place with cotter pins and screws. Find a replacement canister mechanism at a local hardware store using the brand name and model number. Then, simply replace the old canister mechanism with the new one, and replace the cotter pins, screws and covers.
The fact is that replacing or repairing a leaking tap may be fairly straightforward and simple for some, but it can be a frustrating, challenging process for others. For example, sometimes the screws, washers or canister mechanisms are stuck in place and are difficult to remove. In other cases, the homeowner cannot locate the right replacement materials at local stores. If you have attempted to fix your leaking tap on your own or if you would prefer to simply let a professional handle this task for you, you can schedule service with a Singapore plumber today. The fact is that leaks tend to become worse over time, and they will waste water unnecessarily each day until they are fixed. With this in mind, you should repair it yourself or schedule service with a plumber today without delay.
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