Faucets

You'll Be Glad You Called Us First!

Mastering Faucet Repairs throughout the home.

Your faucet is among the most frequently used fixtures in the home, integral to daily tasks from cooking and cleaning to filling pots and hydrating. Given its constant use, it's not uncommon for issues to arise over time, whether it's a persistent drip, a leak, or reduced water pressure. Understanding how to tackle faucet repair can save homeowners from the inconvenience of a malfunctioning faucet and the costs associated with water waste or calling in a professional for every minor issue. We've prepared some comprehensive guides to faucet repair, offering practical tips and solutions to keep your faucets in optimal working condition. When you need help with anu of your home faucets, whether in the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom-it's time to contact the pros at Able Home Services!

We include great service guarantees on all our faucet work as well.

A close up of a faucet with water running out of it.

Common Faucet Issues and How to Address Them

Leaky Faucet: A dripping faucet is not only annoying but can also lead to significant water wastage. Often, the culprit behind a leak is a worn-out washer or O-ring. Replacing these components, which involves disassembling the faucet handle, can usually resolve the issue.

A kitchen sink with water running from the faucet.

Low Water Pressure: If your faucet's water flow has weakened, the problem might lie in the aerator—the screen at the faucet's tip. Mineral deposits can build up here, obstructing water flow. Unscrewing and cleaning the aerator with vinegar or a commercial cleaning solution can often restore normal water pressure.
Handle Leaks: Sometimes, water may leak from around the faucet handle rather than the spout. This issue typically indicates a problem with the packing nut or the cartridge. Tightening the packing nut or replacing the cartridge should fix the leak.
Squeaky Handle: A handle that makes noise when used may need lubrication. After dismantling the handle, apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the stem's moving parts.

Tools and Materials Needed for Faucet Repair

Adjustable wrench or set of wrenches
Screwdrivers (both Phillips and flat-head)
Replacement parts (washers, O-rings, cartridges, depending on the issue)
Plumber's tape
Silicone-based lubricant
Vinegar (for cleaning mineral deposits)

Step-by-Step Guide to Faucet Repair

Shut Off the Water Supply: Before starting any repair, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Look for the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise.
Disassemble the Faucet: Remove the faucet handle, which may involve loosening a set screw with an Allen wrench or unscrewing a cap at the top of the handle. Keep track of all parts and their order for reassembly.
Identify the Issue: Once the faucet is disassembled, inspect the internal components for signs of wear or damage. This could be a deteriorated washer, O-ring, or a clogged aerator.
Replace Damaged Parts: Swap out any worn or damaged parts with new ones. If you're unsure of the part needed, take the old one to a hardware store to find an exact match.
Reassemble and Test: After replacing the necessary components, reassemble the faucet in the reverse order you took it apart. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet for leaks and proper operation.

A white bathtub with chrome faucets and a white towel on the side

DIY possible-and Able Plumbing is here to help!

Faucet repair can often be a DIY project that saves money and prevents the aggravation of dealing with a faulty faucet. By familiarizing yourself with common issues and maintaining a basic toolkit, you can tackle many repairs independently. Remember, preventive maintenance, such as regular cleaning and timely replacement of parts, can extend your faucet's life and ensure its smooth operation. However, for complex problems or if DIY repair feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to call the professional plumbers at Able Plumbing to help you.