When Should your Garbage Disposal Be Repaired or Replaced? | Chambliss Plumbing

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When Should your Garbage Disposal Be Repaired or Replaced?

You know your appliances won’t last forever, but it is sometimes hard to find out when you need garbage disposal repair or you just need to replace it. When it comes to garbage disposals, they give out some unmistakable signs and clues that will guide you on what you need to do.

If you notice any of the following situations, then you might want to consider either calling a garbage disposal repair professional or even replacing your kitchen garbage disposal.

Frequent Clogs

Your garbage disposal clogs frequently. If you are taking care of your garbage disposal by doing the following things, but still experience many clogs, it’s time to think about repairing or replacing it.

● You always run water while you are using it and at least 20 seconds after you’ve finished.

● The only foods you’re disposing of are those approved by the manufacturer.

● The food you’re disposing of is cut into small pieces, which are fed into the garbage disposal slowly.

Frequent clogs may also mean that you need a larger disposal capacity, so you might want to look into upgrading for a bigger model.

Frequently Pressing the Reset Button

If you feel that you constantly have to press the reset button to get your garbage disposal to work, that is a sure sign that you need garbage disposal repair or replacement, as it could mean a failing motor. It’s okay to have to press the reset button after you’ve cleared a clog or after large amounts of food have been put through the disposal, but anything more frequent than that requires your attention.

Persistent Odors

If you can’t get rid of any persistent odors, even after you’ve tried to freshen the garbage disposal by cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, a sink full of dish soap, citrus peels or ice cubes. A foul odor that won’t go away means that the smell could be trapped in the unit itself or the drain lines.

Dull Blades

If your blades have become dull and you notice that food takes a longer time to grind or clogs are becoming a more frequent occurrence it could mean that the blades are no longer sharp enough to do their job, and you will need to replace the unit.

Leaking

If you notice constant leaking or have a leak that is not easily fixed, then its time to start thinking about garbage disposal repair. Some leaks can be easily fixed by replacing O-rings or by tightening the connections; other leaks are more complicated and will end up costing you more than a repair in the long run. If the leak is in your sink flange or other parts of the unit, contact a professional plumber to look at your garbage disposal and guide you on the best course of action.

Kitchen or Sink Replacement

You don’t always need to replace your disposal when you’re installing a new sink or upgrading your kitchen appliances, but it could be a good time to do so, especially depending on the age of your unit. Since professionals will already be on-site, it might end up being more convenient and cost-effective to replace an older garbage disposal instead of waiting for the problems to start happening.

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Save water when upgrading your Appliances and Fixtures. | Chambliss Plumbing

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Save water when upgrading your Appliances and Fixtures.

You never actually “finish” your home when you are a homeowner. Appliances, fixtures and other components are always breaking down, aging or going out of fashion, so upgrades come with the territory. When plumbing is taken into account in those improvements, your choices have a significant impact on the amount of water you consume.





New techniques and designs have made low-flow fixtures easier to love, no more dribbling showers! Dishwashers and washing machines are now designed to do more with less water.

If the time has come for you to make a few changes around your house, make sure you consider upgrades below. They will require professional plumbing services to be installed, but they are sure to be a water and money saver in the long run.

Shower heads

On average, seventeen percent of residential water use comes from showering. Most conventional showerheads use around 2.5 gallons of water per minute, but you can find new showerheads that use a maximum of 2 gallons per minute. This might seem like a minor difference, but it adds up over time. On average, a typical family can save around 3,000 gallons of water a year by changing their water heads, and along with saving water you also save extra water heater costs.

Toilets

Another one of the primary uses for water in households comes from toilets. Toilets account for around 30% of residential water usage. Current standards state that a toilet should use 1.6 gallons per flush, but if your toilet is a couple of decades old, it could be using around six times that.





When you choose a water efficient toilet, you could reduce your water consumption by as much as 60%. This adds up to major savings over a toilets lifespan, which means that a water-efficient toilet is a sound investment.

Faucets

Your sink faucet can save water by using an aerator, which is a small device injecting air bubbles into the stream. The bubbles displace the water and don’t affect the rinsing ability. If your faucet is in good condition and you don’t want to replace it, you can find aftermarket aerators, which you can attach to your existing features. By using aerators, you can save around 700 gallons of water annually.

Washing Machines

Old washing machines use around 40 gallons of water just by washing a single large load. By switching to a newer and more water efficient model, you will be reducing your water consumption by nearly 30 gallons. The wash cycle may last a little longer, but you get the same results as you would with a less water efficient machine.

Dishwashers

Not hand washing your dishes and using your dishwasher is an excellent way to save water, but if you want to get the most out of every drop of water, switching to a water efficient model is the way to go. Older dishwashers can use up to 10 gallons of water per cycle, where water efficient models use up to 4 gallons. Over the lifespan of your dishwasher, this means you can save almost 4000 gallons of water.

If you are curious about what other ways you can save money by doing a few simple upgrades or you’re interested in upgrading to a newer and more efficient model, reach out to professional plumbing services.

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When Should your Garbage Disposal Be Repaired or Replaced? | Chambliss Plumbing

https://chamblissplumbingtx.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/when-should-your-garbage-disposal-be-repaired-or-replaced/

When Should your Garbage Disposal Be Repaired or Replaced?

You know your appliances won’t last forever, but it is sometimes hard to find out when you need garbage disposal repair or you just need to replace it. When it comes to garbage disposals, they give out some unmistakable signs and clues that will guide you on what you need to do.

If you notice any of the following situations, then you might want to consider either calling a garbage disposal repair professional or even replacing your kitchen garbage disposal.

Frequent Disposal Clogs

Your garbage disposal clogs frequently. If you are taking care of your garbage disposal by doing the following things, but still experience many clogs, it’s time to think about repairing or replacing it.

● You always run water while you are using it and at least 20 seconds after you’ve finished.

● The only foods you’re disposing of are those approved by the manufacturer.

● The food you’re disposing of is cut into small pieces, which are fed into the garbage disposal slowly.

Frequent clogs may also mean that you need a larger disposal capacity, so you might want to look into upgrading for a bigger model.

Frequently Pressing the Reset Button

If you feel that you constantly have to press the reset button to get your garbage disposal to work, that is a sure sign that you need garbage disposal repair or replacement, as it could mean a failing motor. It’s okay to have to press the reset button after you’ve cleared a clog or after large amounts of food have been put through the disposal, but anything more frequent than that requires your attention.

Persistent Odors

If you can’t get rid of any persistent odors, even after you’ve tried to freshen the garbage disposal by cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, a sink full of dish soap, citrus peels or ice cubes. A foul odor that won’t go away means that the smell could be trapped in the unit itself or the drain lines.

Dull Blades

If your blades have become dull and you notice that food takes a longer time to grind or clogs are becoming a more frequent occurrence it could mean that the blades are no longer sharp enough to do their job, and you will need to replace the unit.

Leaking

If you notice constant leaking or have a leak that is not easily fixed, then its time to start thinking about garbage disposal repair. Some leaks can be easily fixed by replacing O-rings or by tightening the connections; other leaks are more complicated and will end up costing you more than a repair in the long run. If the leak is in your sink flange or other parts of the unit, contact a professional plumber to look at your garbage disposal and guide you on the best course of action.

Kitchen or Sink Replacement

You don’t always need to replace your disposal when you’re installing a new sink or upgrading your kitchen appliances, but it could be a good time to do so, especially depending on the age of your unit. Since professionals will already be on-site, it might end up being more convenient and cost-effective to replace an older garbage disposal instead of waiting for the problems to start happening. Call us, we at Chambliss Plumbing are happy to answer any and all of your Plumbing concerns

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Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Repair Issues | Chambliss Plumbing

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Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Repair Issues

You might not think a lot about your garbage disposal on a daily basis, but when something isn’t working, the importance of this appliance comes to the forefront of your mind. Simple garbage disposal repair isn’t difficult; you just need the right tools and a little common sense.

Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

If nothing happens when you flip the disposal switch, the first thing you need to check is that the reset button has not popped out. If you find that it has, press it back in and check that your disposal is now working. If it isn’t, it might mean that your breaker has tripped.

If the issue is with the breaker, turn it back on and test your garbage disposal again. If it works but the breaker trips again, it means the problem lies somewhere in the electrical motor of your garbage disposal. If this is the case, your best bet is to contact a professional garbage disposal repair service, as they have more specialized knowledge and tools.

Garbage Disposal Won’t Spin or is Making a Humming Noise

If you hear a humming noise when you turn on your garbage disposal but don’t see it turning, it means that it’s getting power, but it’s most likely jammed.

Your first step is to check the disposal drain. Make sure to turn off the circuit breaker, and use a flashlight to inspect for any items that may be blocking it. If you find the culprit, you can use pliers to remove the clog.

Garbage Disposal is Emitting an Unpleasant Smell

A significant amount of food is being shoved down the garbage disposal, so it’s common that eventually, it starts to smell. Any foods that have a strong odor, such as garlic or onions will make your garbage disposal smell especially unpleasant. It’s a very displeasing problem to have when your garbage disposal stinks, but fortunately, it has a very easy fix.

To fix it, apply a small amount of dish soap to a scrub brush, and rub any parts of the disposal you can see, concentrating on the area where the sink basin and the flange meet. Mold and bacteria build up in this area, causing foul smells. If you do this regularly, on a monthly basis, the disposal drain will remain clean, and you won’t have a build-up of smells.

Another easy fix to get rid of nasty smells is to cut up a few lemons into small slices and drop the slices into the disposal to be ground. Lime is also useful if that’s what you have laying around. The ground up lime or lemons will freshen up your drain along with permeating your kitchen with a very pleasant citrus scent. Another way to utilize odors is to drop a few ice cubes down the garbage disposal and grinding them.

Troubleshooting Your Garbage Disposal Repair is Easy

It doesn’t need to be hard for you to do some DIY garbage disposal repair. The problems outlined above are some of the most common that homeowners encounter. Furthermore, you only need simple tools to fix the issues. However, if you find yourself not being able to repair your garbage disposal with these methods, always call a licensed Plumber like Chambliss Plumbing to do the job. You don’t want to make things worse!

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Tell-tale Signs You Need Water Heater Repair | Chambliss Plumbing

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Tell-tale Signs You Need Water Heater Repair

Your water heater may have a long lifespan, but it won’t last forever. Knowing this, it’s important that you are aware of the signs that your water heater will emit when it’s starting to fail. If you are aware of these signs, you can contact a water heater repair professional or purchase a new water heater before it becomes an emergency situation. It’s a smart move that you have a professional inspect your water heater before making a decision, so you know whether to repair or replace it. Below are some of the tell-tale signs you need water heater repair or replacement.

Presence of Moisture

Moisture in the form of water is needed in your home; you need it to wash your hands, take a shower or do the dishes, amongst other things. However, having moisture where none should be is a definite problem. If your water heater is failing, it may have small fractures and cracks in the tank, and when the metal expands due to heat, leaks can occur. Another reason why your water heater may be leaking is that it has a loose fitting or connection. A water heater repair professional will be able to pinpoint the culprit. If the problem is not loose connections or fittings, then you need to replace your cracked water heater tank to stop the leaks. If you don’t replace your water heater, mold growth and poor indoor air quality are a strong possibility.

Old Age

It’s useful that you know off the top of your head your water heaters approximate age. When you are aware of how old it is, you know when your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan and arrange to have it replaced. Your water heater will have a manufacturer’s sticker with a serial number that lets you know the timeframe during which it was manufactured. Older water heaters are more prone to break down more frequently and need more repairs.

Rust in Your Water

If you start to see your water coming out rusty, it’s a sure-fire sign that your water heater may be on its last legs. Rust in your water means that your water heater itself is rusting, often leading to leaks. Look for a replacement as soon as you can at the first sign of rust in your water. Sometimes it’s possible that your water heater just needs to be flushed out instead of being completely replaced, so contact your water heater repair professional to get an accurate assessment

Constant Disruptive Sounds

No matter what is causing the sound, when your water heater is being noisy, then it’s due for an inspection and water heater repair service. A knocking or rattling sound in a water heater usually means there is a sediment buildup in the tank. This residue interferes with the heating elements in your water tank, and can also overheat the tank. Notify your water heater repair professional if you hear any sounds, the issue may be resolved by flushing out the tank.

Contact Chambliss Plumbing for professional Service

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The Dos and Don’ts of Drain Cleaning | Chambliss Plumbing

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The Dos and Don’ts of Drain Cleaning

A clogged or blocked drain can be a major inconvenience to you and your family, as well as damaging your plumbing system and resulting in expensive repair bills. While there are a variety of home remedies that can help to clear some drain problems, attempting to fix a blocked drain yourself can sometimes cause more damage.

Keep your drain in good condition and save yourself the money it can cost to have it repaired down the line. Follow these dos and don’ts of drain cleaning to keep your household plumbing system clear and healthy.

Dos:

Have it Professionally Cleared

It is important to have your drains professionally cleared, or snaked.

A plumber will be able to use a specialist tool, known as a snake, which can safely reach into the pipes to remove any debris that may be causing a blockage. The snake is a flexible auger tool with a long, coiled wire, which is what enables it to get down into the pipe. Trying to do this at home can cause severe damage to your pipes, as any implement that you may use could snap or break inside.

Having your pipes professionally snaked will help to prevent a build-up of debris and protect them against clogs.

Jet Out Your Sewer Lines

Problems can occur both in your drain lines and in the sewer lines of your home. Experts advise that you have your sewer lines professionally jetted out to clear them properly and clean your drain lines.

A sewer jet is a tool used by professional plumbers or engineers, which uses high pressured water to clean out the sewer lines of any debris or clogs. If your sewer line becomes blocked, this can affect the efficiency of your household plumbing.

A professional will use a high-pressure hose fixed with a jetting nozzle, which can reach underground, to funnel the water through and clear out your sewer lines.

Don’ts:

Put Unsuitable Substances Down Your Drain

It may seem harmless to pour something down your kitchen drain as a method of disposal; however, this can potentially damage your drains and the pipes in your home.

Putting the wrong substances or liquid down your drain can cause leaks, blockages, unpleasant odors and even result in your plumbing system breaking down.

Try to avoid pouring everyday household things into the sink, as these could be hazardous to your drains. These can include:

• Fats

• Grease

• Oil

• Cosmetics

Use Acid Drain Cleaners

You can use some drain cleaners sold in supermarkets or other household stores for minor clogs; however, you should not use these often. These drain cleaner may get rid of small blockages in the short term but will cause harm to your plumbing over the long run.

Acid drain cleaner should be avoided at all times, as not only can these cause internal damage to your pipes, but they can also possibly result in painful burns or severe injury.

Other substances can have the same effect, including vinegar, disinfectants, paint and solvents. Always be cautious, and when in doubt, call your plumber.

For Water Heater Questions find more information @ just-water-heaters.com

For Water softener Questions find more Information here @ just-water-softeners.com

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Five Things You Should Never Flush Down The Toilet | Chambliss Plumbing

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Five Things You Should Never Flush Down The Toilet

It can be convenient to flush different bits of household waste down the toilet as a form of disposal, and many of us do not think about the consequences of this. While it can seem harmless to flush a variety of items down the toilet in your home, many of these will become stuck in the pipes or drains and therefore cause a dangerous blockage.

Avoid causing unnecessary damage by ensuring you don’t flush the wrong things down your toilet.

What Can You Flush?

Knowing what is safe to flush down your toilet is often easier than finding out what is unsuitable. There are only three main things that you should flush, encompassing all forms of human waste and toilet paper.

On the other hand, there is an extensive list of unsuitable items that people have been found to flush down the toilet in their homes, some of which can be surprising. Most people are guilty of flushing toiletries and bathroom items that are believed to be suitable but can cause your pipes to become blocked and damage your drains.

Take a look through this list, and next time you find yourself about to flush one of these items, stop and think twice about the best way to dispose of it.

Bathroom Wipes

Wet wipes are often found in many people’s bathrooms alongside baby wipes as they can be used to freshen up. You can purchase bathroom wipes that are supposed to be flushable; however, many of these are not degradable so you should throw them in the trash.

Most people do not consider these as something to avoid putting in the toilet and think that, like toilet paper, they are designed to be flushed.

Bathroom wipes are one of the leading causes of clogs and blockages both in the home and in the main sewer lines of the wider area.

Feminine Hygiene Products

Public bathrooms and restrooms often provide an alternative method of disposal for feminine hygiene products such as tampons or sanitary towels. However, in the home it can be harder to find a suitable method of disposal, meaning many people often opt to flush these down the toilet. While doing this can be a much easier, more convenient and quicker option but is more likely to cause your drains to become blocked, as they are not designed to be flushed.

Diapers

Disposable diapers are designed to be thrown out with other household waste and trash, rather than flushed away.

While it may appear suitable to flush these down the toilet, the diaper itself cannot be broken down and will most likely become stuck in your drain.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

Food substances and liquids such as fats, oils or grease can damage your household pipes, resulting in a costly repair bill.

Hot liquids, particularly grease, will congeal when they cool down. Since they congeal, it means that if you flush them away, they will start to clog the drain, causing harmful damage over time.

Dental Floss

You floss your teeth in the bathroom, meaning it can be easy just to flush the used dental floss after you use it.

Floss is non-biodegradable and will become tangled with other objects, creating a series of small clogs that will eventually cause a lot of damage.

These are just a few of a long list of items that people flush down their toilets, but are unsuitable and potentially hazardous. When in doubt, just throw it in the trash.

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Dripping Faucets | Chambliss Plumbing

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A Quick Guide To Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets can be a huge pain. Although they are not a severe plumbing issue, they are still something that you want to get sorted as soon as possible. A leak can be caused by a range of different factors, so it’s always best to phone a professional plumber who can identify the cause and get the problem fixed quickly.

Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent drips from occurring in the first place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about dripping faucets.

What Are the Causes?

There are a few common causes for dripping faucets, including:

● High Water Pressure

● Broken Seal

● Broken Fixture

● Damaged Faucet O-Ring

Preventing Faucets from Dripping

Drip, drip, drip, drip. We’re all familiar with the annoying sound of water droplets echoing off the sink. Although it’s impossible to avoid getting a dripping faucet completely, there are a few ways in which you can prevent one. From choosing the right faucets to having maintenance carried out, here’s what you can do to avoid that dreaded dripping noise.

Choose High-Quality Faucets

Over the years, the quality of faucets has come a long way, but there’s still a significant difference between the less expensive and more expensive ones. When you buy taps for a sink in your home, you may go for the cheaper option to save a bit of money. You’ll most likely have heard of the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ and in most cases, its right. If you invest in some taps that are higher quality, they’re going to last you longer than what lower quality faucets would.

If you’ve paid a bit more for your faucets, the components get made to a much higher standard. Nothing lasts forever so eventually if it begins to drip, you will need to replace whatever has gone wrong with it, but the components should last you a lot longer than those in a cheaper faucet. If your faucet is dripping due to the water pressure in your home, then of course whether the quality of them is high or low, it has nothing to do with the fixture.

Replace Old Fixtures

If the faucets in your home are old and worn, a drip could be right around the corner. By replacing your faucets, you can prevent having to deal with a dripping faucet in the future.

Plumbing Maintenance

Plumbing maintenance is just as important as it is for your air conditioner, electrical system or car. When you call in a professional plumber to carry out maintenance on your plumbing system, it allows them to detect any problems. One of the issues that they can find throughout a plumbing service is if your home has low or high water pressure.

If your home has high water pressure, it can cause your faucets to leak and drip. You may be unable to detect unstable water pressure on your own, but by having maintenance, your plumber will be able to spot any signs and efficiently sort it out. If you want to avoid getting a dripping faucet, make sure that you get annual maintenance carried out on your home’s plumbing system.

Call Chambliss Plumbing Today

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Dripping Faucets

Toilet Repair: Tips and Advice | Chambliss Plumbing

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Toilet Repair: Tips and Advice

Toilets are items that get used every day; they’re part of every person’s daily routine. Whether it’s a toilet in a residential property, in an office or a mall, it’s essential that they function efficiently. When they become broken due to plumbing issues, it can cause a lot of inconvenience to both homeowners and business owners. If you’re property ever suffers from a toilet problem, don’t neglect it, it needs repairing. The quicker that an issue can get sorted, the less damage it will cause and the less money it will cost you.

When it comes to plumbing issues, most should be carried out by a professional plumber. If undertaking a plumbing problem yourself, you do run the risk of making the problem worse if you don’t know what you’re doing. However, there are some simple repairs that most homeowners should be able to carry out on their own.

Below are some tips and advice for dealing with plumbing complications in your property:

Stubborn Recurring Clogs

Signs to look out for: When it comes to clogs in your toilet, one of the main tell-tale signs is if your flush is weak. A reduced flush indicates a partial or full clog.

If you have a toilet clog that just won’t budge, it can become a huge nuisance, but you’re not suffering alone. Toilet clogs are one of the most common problems that can surface. If your toilet is completely clogged, it will fill to the brim when you flush it and most likely overflow. If it’s only a partial clog, the water will fill the bowl more than usual, decrease slowly and waste won’t get removed.

DIY or Professional? When it comes to toilet clogs, you’re better off going to a professional unless you have experience with plumbing. If you were to cause more damage to the toilet while attempting to unclog it with a drain snake or plunger, it could end up costing hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Broken Toilet Handles

Signs to look out for: A handle that is loose or broken.

DIY or Professional? If you think of yourself as a bit of a handyman, then this repair is pretty straightforward and easy to complete. The handle can become stuck and seem broken when there’s a buildup of debris, so for the first step, you need to remove the toilet tank cover and give the mounting nut a clean. If the handle is loose, all you need to do is tighten up the nut by turning it clockwise.

The Phantom Flush

Signs to look out for: After you’ve flushed your toilet, you’ll hear the tank refilling. If you can hear the toilet refilling when no one has flushed it, you’ll know that there’s a problem.

When your toilet keeps refilling, it can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day; that’s not only a lot of water, but also a significant amount of money that gets added to your utility bills. Phantom flushes occur when water leaks out from your toilet’s tanks and is often caused by the flapper being damaged.

DIY or Professional? This repair can be solved DIY by draining the tank and the toilet bowl. You then want to check the flapper seat and replace the flapper if any damage is visible. If you don’t trust your plumbing skills, then get in touch with a professional.

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Toilet Repair: Tips and Advice

How to Fix Dripping Faucets | Chambliss Plumbing

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How to Fix Dripping Faucets

With so many different styles available on the market, it’s easy to spend a lot of time choosing your perfect faucet. Once you’ve bought it, the last thing you want is for it to start leaking. Dripping faucets can cost you unnecessary added expenditures on your water bills and will become irritating very quickly.

While experts recommend that you have your plumbing systems professionally checked on a yearly basis, it is possible to attempt to fix some minor problems yourself at home. This guide will explain step by step how to repair a dripping faucet. If this doesn’t work, then it’s probably time to call in the experts.

Understanding Your Plumbing System

There are four different types of faucets that you may have in your home: the compression type, which is equipped with a washer, the cartridge or sleeve style, the ceramic disc and the ball type.

The washer in the compression faucet serves to seal the valve, while an O-ring serves this function in the other three types of faucets. As a dripping or leaking faucet is a relatively minor problem in most cases, any kind can usually be fixed using the same methods.

Preparing Your Faucet

The first step is to switch off the water supply at the mains and turn off the hot water supply from your water heater tank. This will enable you to work on the dripping faucet without any fear of an accident occurring that may result in flooding your home.

You will need to be equipped with a wrench and flat head screwdriver, as well as replacement washers if you have a compression faucet, as this may help to fix the problem.

The next thing you should do is to remove the decorative top from your faucet or tap, as this will allow you to perform any minor alterations that will stop it from dripping in the future. Use your flat head screwdriver to loosen and remove the internal screw that is attached the decorative handle top.

Identifying the Problem

From here you should be able to untwist the stem of the faucet and remove it, which will allow you to examine it for any damage, corrosion or wear and tear. If you can identify any issues, this could be the cause of your dripping faucet. The stem is easy to replace, with suitable parts available in your local hardware store. Make it easier to find the correct parts that you will need to purchase by taking the old, damaged stem with you, as you will be able to seek the assistance of one of the employees who will show you exactly where the necessary elements are located.

How to Fix Dripping Faucets