How to Fix (or Replace) a Leaking Tap Yourself
Whether you have a slow drain or just want to tidy up your kitchen, updating your old faucet can save water and make your kitchen more efficient. While getting the job done on your own can seem daunting, it is completely doable and will pay dividends in the form of lower monthly bills and avoiding potentially costly future repairs. Here’s how to get started.
Collect your tools
As always, before you start, make sure you have everything you need to get the job done – stretching this patch over two days due to the fact that you forgot an important tool will be a headache. First, the wrenches – you will need a crescent-shaped wrench as well as a tap wrench. While not always necessary, a faucet or sink wrench will make it much easier to access the nuts that hold your faucet together, and one usually costs around $ 10, so it’s worth considering. Plumber’s tape (also called thread seal) is another good item to have on hand; this will allow you to waterproof the joints on your plumbing. You will also need a flashlight, as the area under the sink is undeniably dark and cramped. Being able to see will help you avoid a raw surprise.
Check for leaks
Start by checking for leaks. Open the existing low flow faucet and look under the sink to see if there is any moisture from the pipes. If so, try tightening the fasteners that hold the hoses together. Place one wrench on one side of the connection point and the other on the other. Turn the working key to the right. If, after doing this with all the connections under the sink, the leak is eliminated, you can move on.
Find your valves
If you encounter a more persistent leak (or if you want to replace rather than repair the faucet), you need to shut off the water before taking the next step. Shut-off valves are usually located under the sink and are often oval in shape. There should be two of them – one for hot water and one for cold water, and they will most likely be located under the sink, against the wall. To stop the flow of water, turn the knobs clockwise.
Inspect your equipment
Once the water is turned off, continue with the leak test by disconnecting the hose connections from the faucet and isolation valves. These connections should have tape to seal the threads; if not, you can add. Remove the old tape and look for rusty or cracked washers. Inspect the hoses to determine if they are in good condition. If you need to replace washers or hoses, you can purchase new ones from the plumbing department of any hardware store. If you are not sure which parts you need, take the old parts with you for comparison.
Select tap
If your leak is from the top of your sink, or you just need newer hardware, you’ll need a new faucet. Most faucets come in standard sizes, so their installation mostly depends on how many plumbing you need. If there is room for a separate spray nozzle or other accessory, you will need a mixer with three water lines. For other types of sinks, only two can be used. Before purchasing a new faucet, it is recommended that you take a close look at your old faucet to make sure it matches your sink. (Maybe bring a picture with you – it can be surprisingly difficult to remember the details when faced with dozens of shiny new possibilities.)
Install new parts
If you’re just changing washers and hoses, reinstall the new parts using about three coils of plumbing tape at each connection and tightening the nuts. If you are also replacing the faucet, you will need to remove the old one. On many kitchen sinks, a sink wrench will come in handy here because the nuts holding the existing faucet to the sink are behind the sink, under the counter between the sink and the wall, and good luck achieving them. Once these nuts are unscrewed and the hoses are disconnected, the existing faucet should simply be removed. Then, making sure to use tape to seal the threads wherever there is a connection between the hoses, you can attach the hoses to the new faucet and thread them through the holes in the sink. This step will allow you to avoid tightening these connections in the cramped space behind the sink. Then use the hardware that came with your new faucet and the sink wrench to attach the new faucet to the sink. Attach new hoses to the water pipes from the wall using plumbing tape where the two hoses join. Make sure all of your equipment is securely fastened and then turn on the water again by turning the locking knobs counterclockwise.
Double check your hardware
Once the water is on, check the tightness again. If everything is dry, check the taps and again. If you have a small leak, turn off the water and retighten all hose connections. You can also add some thread seal if the connection is a little loose. On new hardware this should help. Do a final check to make sure everything is still dry. Congratulations! You just fixed your sink.