8 steps to fixing a leaky faucet

8 steps to fixing a leaky faucet

Do it yourself in 1 hour or less

By Bill and Kevin Burnett
Inman News™

Q: The cold-water faucet in my shower has developed a continuous drip. I’ve never tried to change a washer in a faucet before. Should I try to do it myself or call a plumber? Is it only a matter of turning off the main water supply, then taking the faucet apart to find the washer to replace, or is it more complicated?




Here’s the step-by-step process to change a washer:

Step 1: Turn off the water to the house. In temperate areas, exterior pipes do not freeze. The shutoff valve is usually where the water line enters the house. In 20-plus-year-old systems, the valve is usually a gate valve with a round “wagon wheel” handle. There’s usually a hose bib immediately above it. Close the shutoff valve, then turn the hose bib on to release water pressure from the system.



Step 4: Spread a towel or washcloth over the drain so as not to lose any small parts. With a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the screws from the hot and cold handles and take the handles off. Put the screws in a safe place.

Step 5: Remove the chrome escutcheons by turning them counterclockwise. They should be screwed on only hand-tight, but they may be stuck. If so, use a pair of channel-lock pliers, placing a towel or washcloth between the teeth of the pliers and the escutcheon so as not to mar the chrome.







Reverse these steps to get the tub back in operation.

Oh, and while you’re at it, change both the cold and hot washers. Sure as shootin’, as soon as the cold leak is fixed, the hot one will go.

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