Doesn't work forever. If water starts dripping into the sink, you should think about repairs. When a faucet is leaking, there are two options: call a plumber or fix it yourself. Read about how to fix this plumbing element with your own hands.
Typical reasons
The causes of malfunctions in the kitchen are different. They depend on the operating conditions and the design of the device. Most often, a dripping faucet is a consequence of wear of the seat, oil seal ring or gasket, the appearance of a layer of rust or salt deposits.
Before starting repairs, it is necessary to identify the cause of the leak.
All this can be completely eliminated on your own, but in order not to be distracted by shopping trips during the repair process, you should prepare for it in advance. Everything is easier if you don't throw away the packaging. It usually contains a repair kit and instructions with a diagram and description of the technology for repairing the product. If nothing has been preserved, then you can familiarize yourself with the process by watching videos and reading the relevant literature, and then purchase everything you need for this.
First of all, you have to turn off the cold and hot water supply valve, prepare a container to drain the remaining water, and dry a rag. Next, each type of mixer has its own repair algorithm.
Repair of a two-valve mixer with a worm mechanism
The supply of hot and cold water in faucets of this type is controlled by two different valves. The weak link here is the rubber gasket. The problem is solved simply: instead of the worn-out locking element, another one is installed. This process consists of several steps:
- tighten the body;
- fix the valve.
Advice: if the repair kit has not been preserved, then the gasket can be cut from dense rubber, or best of all from a tire, because the cord threads contained in it slow down wear.
If, despite replacing the gasket, the faucet continues to drip, you should pay attention to the seat. Perhaps cracks, roughness, or nicks have formed on it. To extend the service life of this element, we clean it with a roller cutter, placing it in the place where the worm mechanism was located and turning it using a drill. After leveling the plane of the seat, we install the gasket and assemble the valve, followed by checking for leaks.
How to repair a two-valve mixer with an axle-box tap
When the faucet leaks when closed or if you hear a cracking sound when rotating the valves, this indicates that the rubber seal has worn out. A leak from under the spout can be eliminated very simply: after removing the valve, remove the valve axle box and change the gasket. Then we seal the threads with fum tape and install the tap in place.
Removing the decorative cap
If the faucet does not fit tightly to the mixer, this can also cause a leak. To eliminate the malfunction, seal the threads and tighten the nut.
Replacing a ceramic axle box in a two-valve mixer
When the faucet drips, we first try to tighten the lock nut more tightly; if this does not help, then we will have to change the axle box. When this matter is completely new to you, it is better to find a video on this topic and watch how professional plumbers perform the work. Usually the axle box is changed entirely, doing the job as follows:
Tip: when choosing a crane axle box, pay attention to the thread. It should exactly match the previous one in size.
How to fix a single lever faucet in the bathroom or kitchen
Single-lever mixers are easier to operate because... The temperature is adjusted by turning the knob in one direction or another. To adjust the pressure, the lever is raised or lowered. In faucets of this type, the main element is the cartridge - ball or disk. They are not interchangeable, so if there is a need for replacement, you need to know exactly which one is inside the faucet. This is impossible to determine visually. Let's consider the procedure in case of replacing a ball valve:
Repairing a leaking faucet yourself requires some effort, but this way of solving the problem will allow you not to waste time waiting for a specialist to arrive and money to pay for his work.
Repairing a leaking faucet: video
Faucet repair: photo
A common problem that all people face when using faucets is leakage of the device. Increased water bills, emotional irritation of apartment residents as a result of the sounds of dripping water, flooding of neighbors are not all the consequences that such a malfunction can lead to. To avoid them, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to correct the problem in a timely manner.
Before you begin repairing equipment, it is important to find out the cause of the leaking faucet.
Causes of faucet leakage
By and large, there are four most common causes of device leakage.
Let's look at them.
- Purchase of a low-quality faucet.
- Incorrect installation of the device.
- Poor handling during product operation.
Remember, one of the main reasons that lead to leakage is damage to the faucet.
- Natural wear and tear of parts.
Systematic repetition of cycles of turning the water on and off contributes to the natural wear of the following moving elements of the mixer: rubber gaskets, oil seal, stuffing box packing, rod threads.
As a rule, the problem of faucet leakage is inevitable in most cases. In order to eliminate it, you need to have the following tools and materials on hand: screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, sealant, spare parts from the device, fum tape, pliers.
The principle of eliminating faucet leaks depends on the mixer model. There are single-lever (joysticks) and valve devices, which are equipped with valve axle boxes or handles.
Let's take a closer look at each type.
Restoration of the crane – “joystick”
Often, the cause of leakage in a single-lever faucet is a malfunction of the cartridge, which is made of plastic. As a result, the part wears out quickly during operation and cannot be repaired. To fix the problem you need to replace it.
Stages of work execution.
- Shut off the water supply to the mixer.
- Remove the plug located near the base of the device lever.
- Unscrew the screw that is located under it.
- Remove the handle.
If difficulties arise in the process of removing the mixer lever, it is important to slowly “tighten” it with smooth movements to the right and left.
- Unscrew the nut that secures the cartridge.
- Install a new cartridge and secure it with nuts. After this, you need to cover it with a lever and secure it with a special screw. Next, a colored plug is installed in its original place, after which the cause of the faucet leak is considered eliminated.
Remember, the restoration of the “joystick” faucet should be done as carefully as possible, so as not to damage the plastic parts as a result of the applied force and pressure.
Watch also the video on how to repair a faucet
Restoration of a crane with crane axle boxes
If water flows from a closed tap or, after turning on the shower, it also leaks from the mixer, you should replace the shut-off elements - the faucet-axlebox.
The principle of replacing faucet handles.
- Turn off the water, then remove the decorative plug from the mixer valve using a screwdriver.
- Unscrew the screws that secure the handles to the body of the device.
- Remove the valve axle boxes using an adjustable wrench.
If there is a rubber gasket at the end of the valves, it must be replaced; if ceramic liners are installed in the valve box, the entire element must be replaced.
- Screw the new handles into place where the old ones were.
To tighten the crane axle box, depending on its type, fum tape or a special thread is used.
- Install all elements in reverse order.
It happens that a faucet leaks not due to wear of the cartridge or faucet axle boxes, but for other reasons. That is why it is important to pay special attention to the location of the problem, since further repair of the product will depend on this factor. Often, the faucet leaks from under the gander, hose or faucet base.
Let us consider in more detail measures to eliminate such malfunctions.
Eliminating water leakage from under the gander
If water drips directly from under the nut that holds the gander, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to quickly eliminate the accident.
The most likely cause of the malfunction is wear of the seals, which should be replaced.
To do this you need to do the following:
- unscrew the nut that secures the gib directly to the mixer;
- remove it and remove the base from the device;
- replace the seals inside the hex nut;
- unscrew the bushing, make several turns of fum tape around it and install it in its original place;
- clean the inner surface of the faucet and the base of the mixer from dirt;
- install the oil seals and gander, clamping them with nuts, after which the crane is ready for operation.
Remember, sometimes to eliminate a leak it is enough to simply clean the aerator located at the end of the gander, since its clogging contributes to the development of increased pressure inside the element. As a result, water “looks” for the weakest point to escape.
Also watch a video about what to do if the faucet in the bathroom is leaking, between the goose and the nut
Eliminating water leakage from the hose
The cause of water leakage at the junction of the mixer body and the hose, as a rule, is the deformation of the rubber gasket, which has become unusable.
In order to fix the problem, carefully unscrew the hose using an adjustable wrench and replace the worn part.
First of all, you need to replace the old seal with a new one. For which it is better to use a silicone product with a long service life than a rubber gasket.
In the process of restoring the faucet, it will not be superfluous to replace the flexible hose, which should be changed at least once every three years.
Eliminating water leakage from under the faucet base
If during operation of a water tap a leak occurs from under its base, most likely the cause of such a problem is wear of the eccentrics.
First of all, it is necessary to seal their connection using tow and sealant. To do this, tightly wrap the part against the thread and then apply sealant. Such protection will eliminate the leak as quickly as possible.
Watch also the video about what to do if the faucet is dripping
Leaking plumbing is a problem that everyone has to deal with sooner or later: either the faucet is leaking in the kitchen, or a similar situation is observed in the bathroom. Be that as it may, remember: it’s not just water leaking, it’s your hard-earned money “running away” down the drain! How to fix a faucet if it's dripping? The solution to this problem depends on the type of plumbing fixture and the cause of the leak.
Let’s immediately make a reservation that such a seemingly trivial problem can lead to the most tragic consequences - for example, it can become completely unusable or water can break through at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, you need to act as early as possible. And it’s good that there is nothing extremely difficult here - find out the cause of the leak, acquire the necessary tools/materials and, in fact, start working.
What types of mixers are there?
Let's start with the fact that, depending on the design features, there are two groups of plumbing taps.
Important information! The repair process is largely determined by what type of dripping plumbing faucet it is. But we’ll talk about this in more detail a little later.
Why might a faucet drip? Let's understand the reasons
As a rule, the cause of a leak can be easily determined by getting your bearings on the spot. Below are the most common causes of this problem.
Table. Why might a faucet drip? Common reasons
| Reason, photo | Short description |
|---|---|
| If installation or assembly was carried out incorrectly, with errors, this will inevitably cause a leak (sooner or later). For example, if you tighten the nut very tightly during the process, this will damage the sealing gasket, which means it (the gasket) will wear out faster. A supply hose that is not secured tightly will cause a leak under the tap. | |
| The ball mixer has a by no means ideal design - the internal parts, which fit very tightly, react poorly to various types of impurities in the liquid. To eliminate a leak in this case, the faucet will have to be completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. | |
| The main disadvantage of the oil seal (or, as it is also called, the oil seal) is that it wears out very quickly. This problem is easy to identify: if the tap is closed, then there are no signs of a malfunction, but if it is opened, water will immediately begin to flow from under the valves. This suggests that the reason lies in the wear of the oil seal. | |
| Any plumbing equipment has a limited service life, therefore, over time, users encounter problems such as wear of the threads or locking mechanism. In such a situation, nothing can be achieved by replacing individual parts or tightening the nuts - it is necessary to change the entire mixer. | |
| Repeatedly turning the faucet on/off leads to wear of its elements (including the gasket). The material deforms, its dimensions change, and cracks appear on it. And if your faucet drips in the closed position, then the problem most likely lies in the gasket (it needs to be replaced). |
How to fix a leaking faucet
Let’s say right away that in most cases there are no difficulties in replacing a leaking faucet, but beginners still often encounter some problems. However, preliminary preparation and strict adherence to step-by-step instructions will help cope with leaks and significantly increase the service life of the mixer.
Preparing for work
Before you begin the repair itself, you must turn off the water in the riser. Otherwise, problems with the tap will be aggravated by flooding of the apartment (not only your own, but also the neighbors below). Only after turning off the water can further work begin.
To carry out repair work, you will need the following:
- some kind of vessel (to collect water);
- rags;
- Adjustable wrench;
- sponge;
- silicone seals;
- cleaning agent;
- screwdrivers;
- wrench;
- fluoroplastic sealing tape;
- rubber gaskets (new);
- pliers.
All these tools/materials are quite enough to deal with a leaking plumbing faucet yourself.
On a note! If the mixer was purchased recently and you even saved the packaging, then you may find the manufacturer’s instructions and even a repair kit in it. In this case, the work will go much faster.
Method number 1. Replacing the gasket
If the rubber gasket needs to be replaced, you need to proceed according to the following algorithm.
Step 1. First, the valve is disassembled - the plug is removed, then the screw located under it is unscrewed and the core is unscrewed using an adjustable wrench (you need to turn it counterclockwise) to remove the valve axle box.
Step 2. The gasket must be replaced and secured in the axle box.
Step 3. At the end of removal, all the elements are installed in their places.
Prices for bathroom faucets
bathroom faucet
Note! If the faucet is leaking in the shower, then using the same adjustable wrench you need to unscrew the shower hose, replace the gasket, and then fasten it (the hose) in place. The gasket under the gander nut is also changed.
Method number 2. Replacing the stuffing box seal
If the cause of a leaking plumbing faucet is wear of the seal, then you can fix the problem in one of two ways:
- unscrew the stuffing box nut, and then replace the stuffing box itself;
- make the liner yourself from fluoroplastic tape.
If you do everything correctly and in accordance with our recommendations, the faucet will stop dripping and the valve will turn smoothly.
Video - How to repair a faucet
Method No. 3. Ball valve repair
If the problem lies in the ball valve itself, then it must be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, and, if necessary, the locking mechanism must be completely replaced. In this situation, you should act this way.
Step 1. First, unscrew the screw and remove the lever.
Step 2. Then the threaded screw is unscrewed.
Step 3. The mixer dome is removed (along with its plastic part).
Step 4. The ball is removed and carefully inspected. If any defects or damage are detected, the ball must be replaced.
Step 5. The seals are removed and checked for wear and whether there is plaque on them.
Step 6. Dirt and deposits are removed from the seals, after which a special lubricant is applied.
Step 7 All parts are reinstalled. Connections are checked for leaks.
If the mixer is assembled correctly, there should be no leaks; the water temperature will be regulated by light turns of the lever.
Method number 4. Replacing the cartridge
We have already mentioned above that cartridges are more convenient to use than axle-box cranes, but if they break, then, alas, the entire mechanism will have to be replaced at once. Below is an algorithm of necessary actions.
Step 1. First of all, the plug on the lever is unscrewed, after which the fixing screw is also unscrewed.
Step 2. The decorative elements are removed, then the nut that presses the cartridge is unscrewed.
Step 3. The mechanism is removed and carefully inspected (you need to find out what the condition of the gaskets at its end is). Note that they can be replaced.
Prices for kitchen faucets
kitchen faucet
Step 4. If it is impossible to replace the seals, a new disk element is inserted into the tap.
Step 5. All elements of the crane are reassembled.
What to do if the new faucet is dripping?
Sometimes even a faucet that was installed relatively recently begins to leak. In such situations, the reason, as a rule, is simple to the point of banality - the device has a manufacturing defect, which is difficult to identify during external inspection.
Important information! Cracks and chips inside the structure can hardly be eliminated on your own - even an experienced plumber will not be able to do this. That is why the only correct solution is to return the faucet to the store and ask the seller to replace the defective model.
Finally, we note that a faucet in a kitchen or bathroom can start dripping at any moment. To solve this kind of problem, you can go one of two possible ways - to involve a qualified specialist in the work or to try. However, if you know the exact cause of the leak and how to properly eliminate it, then no difficulties should arise.
Note! To prevent a leak from appearing at the most inopportune moment, regularly carry out preventive measures - change gaskets in a timely manner, check the condition of locking mechanisms. All this will significantly extend the life of the crane!
Video - Do-it-yourself faucet repair
The tap is leaking! This is probably the most common expression in the topic of plumbing repairs. In this article we will look at how to repair a single-lever or, as it is also called, flag mixer.
They have become widespread due to their ease of use, and most likely, you use them in both the bathroom and kitchen.
The main control element of such a faucet is the cartridge, and if water is leaking from under the lever of your faucet, then it’s time to change this element. This does not present any difficulty; it is enough to know the operating procedure.
Let's get started!
Faucet repair in photo examples
First of all, you need to remove the decorative cap - a plug, which, using colored marks, indicates the position of the lever for supplying cold and hot water
The opened hole provides access to the mounting screw that secures the cartridge and lever
Using a screwdriver (usually a negative one, but not always), unscrew the screw and remove the lever
Then unscrew and remove the decorative cover, which is attached to the external thread of the circular nut
Using a wrench, unscrew and remove the circular nut
We take out the damaged cartridge and replace it with a new one of the same size (common diameters are 35 mm and 40 mm)
There are two conical protrusions on the cartridge that act as guides; they should coincide with where they fit into the mixer body.
We repeat the assembly of the mixer in the reverse order. If the housing is not damaged by corrosion (sometimes) and has no mechanical damage, then the cause of the leak has been eliminated!
Lever ones have a similar structure, so leaks from under the lever are repaired in the same way, by replacing the cartridge.
Video explanation | Single lever mixer repair
It is difficult to imagine an apartment without water in the house. It is necessary not only in the kitchen for cooking, but also for technical purposes in the bathroom. Since hygiene is an important factor in the life of any person, having a bathroom is a necessary requirement for a comfortable apartment. Regardless of whether there is a supply of hot water to the house, or whether it is heated, a faucet is needed. Some people don't know what to do if the faucet is leaking in the bathroom and start to panic.
Repairing leaks
First of all, you need to calm down, because if you call a locksmith, he can cope with this task, which means that others can do it too. On the other hand, you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to this, because the leak will only get worse. Dripping water is, of course, annoying, but this is not the main problem.
Even a small drip can add up to hundreds of liters over a year. Due to the humid environment, metal corrosion occurs, and this leads to rusty stains. Few people like to look at red spots spreading across the sink or bathtub.
However, aesthetic appearance is not the main thing. Over time, rust eats away at metal and makes it “weak.” Over time, a leak may occur in this area, and in the worst case, a pipe may burst. The consequences include “boiling” of threaded connections, when it will be difficult or even impossible to unscrew them. This will again lead to unnecessary costs. Therefore, the leak must be eliminated as soon as it appears.
Troubleshooting any problem begins with analysis. It is necessary to identify the problem and only then solve it; for this, a visual inspection is performed. A leak may appear for the following reasons:
In practice this is done as follows. If water runs and drips from the shower head or spout when the taps are closed, this indicates that the tap valve is leaking water. It’s another matter when water runs or drips from the faucet or faucet itself. This may be due to the seal or hose or tube. To determine the cause, it is necessary to identify the exact location of the water leak. If it comes out slowly, wipe the leak area dry and observe where it leaks.
Design Definition
The most common problem is that the faucet in the bathroom is leaking. In this case, it is necessary to clarify which structure is associated with the malfunction. Different models use certain methods to eliminate leaks.
Depending on the type of valve used, the taps are:
- constipation;
- conical;
- ball
In terms of their use, shut-off taps have become quite rare, however, they can still be seen. The main difference from other models is that to close or open the tap you need to make several turns of the valve. The seat is a round hole in the valve body; it connects the inlet and outlet pipes. The valve, or plug, is made of metal or non-metal and sealed with a rubber gasket. There is a thread in the valve body and on the stem, the body acts as a nut, and the stem acts as a screw. When the stem rotates with the help of a valve, the valve closes the seat or opens it.
To prevent the tap from leaking through the stem, a gland seal is made from sealing material. The locksmith calls it stuffing. These are oily or dry fibers woven into ropes of different diameters.
The packing is wound around the rod, gradually pushing it between the rod and the body until it stops going through. After this, the stuffing is cut off. A special bushing is used for sealing. It is put on the rod over the packing and pressed with a nut. Then the valve is put on and secured with a nut or stopper.
In this design, the oil seal most often begins to leak. This can be seen when water flows from under the valve. It may appear during opening/closing or in the open position when the valve is open and there is water in the body.
Stopcock repair
This design has a good feature: if the faucet begins to leak through the seal, repairs may not be needed. When a sufficient amount of packing is placed, the pressure sleeve does not go completely into the body, this makes it possible to eliminate the leak without disassembling the entire structure. To do this, just tighten the clamping nut.
First, the rod is pulled out to a position where water begins to flow through the seal. Then they begin to gradually rotate the clamping nut clockwise (twisting it) until the leak stops. This can be done with a wrench or sometimes by hand. The clamping nut is located immediately below the valve. It looks like a plastic bottle cap, but has a hole in the middle for a stem. Sometimes the padding hardens or the clamping nut is already tightened, in which case you will have to resort to disassembly. But first you need to purchase this very stuffing.Repairs begin with removing the valve. Some modern valves have a decorative plug installed. It also prevents water from splashing onto the connection assembly. This helps protect the threaded connection from rust. You can remove the plug using a knife or a sharp screwdriver. To do this, it is pryed and pulled out. Then the valve is released by unscrewing the bolt, nut or removing the stopper. The stopper looks like a cut washer with cutouts. You can insert a thin screwdriver, nail or needle into these cutouts and, pressing on the rod, pull out the lock washer.
Then you need to unscrew the clamping nut with a wrench. There is a bushing under this nut. You can pry it up and pull it out using a sharp screwdriver. New packing is inserted into the resulting cavity, each ring is compacted until the packing fills the entire area, after which it is trimmed. The bushing and retaining nut are put in place. The valve fits onto the stem, but does not lock.
The rod is unscrewed to the position in which water previously ran. If the water continues to flow, you need to tighten the clamping nut. After the leak has been eliminated, the tap is opened and closed several times to check operation. If everything works fine, stop the valve and install a decorative plug.
Replacing the stuffing box
It happens that the measures taken do not eliminate the problem, the oil seal continues to run. In this case, you will have to turn off the water, but if the tap is located nearby and can be quickly turned off, then there is no need to rush, let it remain open for now. Again, you need to remove the valve, retaining nut and bushing. After that, the new packing is removed, and then the old one. This is where the water pressure will help cope with this task. Now you can turn off the water. The packing is re-wound and compacted, a sleeve and a clamping nut are installed.
Over time, the oil seal may become so coarse that it cannot be removed in this manner. In this case, complete disassembly will be required. After removing the valve, pressure washer and bushing, unscrew the axle box. Its nut is located on the body under the clamping pressure. The rod is then screwed in until it comes out of the housing. From the side of the inner chamber, use an awl or other sharp object to push out the oil seal.At the same time, you can inspect the spool (valve) for its integrity, as well as the seat so that there is no debris on it. The gasket between the axle box and the body is checked. If it is damaged, you will need to cut a new one. Rubber, thin felt or the same padding are suitable for this. The packing is wound clockwise down up.
The assembly process proceeds in the reverse order: the rod is inserted and screwed in, the axle box is screwed in, the packing material is pressed in, the bushing is installed and the retaining nut is screwed in. Typically, the new padding material will immediately shrink under the sleeve, so it will need to be re-wound. After which the pressure nut, valve, stopper and plug are reinstalled, you can open the water.
Other faults
If it turns out that the valve itself is leaking, it must be completely disassembled to get to the seat with the spool. Most often, the gasket on the spool breaks. To replace it, you need to unscrew the rod. After this, the spool is clamped with pliers or, if possible, a vice is used. Use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the nut and remove the gasket. If possible, buy the same one. You can cut it out of thin rubber or cushioning material, which you buy in advance at the store.
Another reason why a valve may leak is a foreign object caught between the seat and the spool. It will be enough to remove this garbage. It is rare, but it still happens that a crack appears on the saddle due to a manufacturing defect. How to eliminate it will depend on the specific case. Sometimes a crack appears on the body itself, through which water begins to escape; this mainly happens with cast iron models. In this case, it will not be possible to repair it, you will have to replace it.Other bathroom elements
The next design that can be used in everyday life is a cone tap. Its peculiarity is the structure of the spool. It is made in the form of a cone and does not move relative to the saddle, but rotates in it. This became possible due to the fact that the body itself is the saddle. Water passes through longitudinal slots in the body and spool. Such a leaky faucet can be easily repaired by tightening the nut, which is also located under the faucet handle.
Its difference from a shut-off valve lies in the speed of the opening and closing process, because to do this it is enough to turn the handle 90 degrees. There is also a drawback - high cost. The main malfunction is wear of the working surface, which can be eliminated by grinding these very surfaces, for example, using GOI paste.Ball valves are increasingly used due to their simplicity and reliability. Structurally, they are similar to cone models, but the spool is a metal ball. To reduce friction between the seat and the spool, plastic rings are used in the first. To eliminate leaks that occur during operation, it is enough to change the gaskets or O-rings. The analysis of such a model is similar to the analysis of other structures. The difference may lie in the names of the parts, for example, a handle is used instead of a valve.
Mixers allow you to mix water of different temperatures to achieve the required value. No bathroom is complete without such a device. According to its design features mixers can be divided into two types:- with one tap;
- with two taps.
When using two taps, the mixer represents a container with two inlets and one outlet. In the case of a single tap, the faucet itself is the mixer. In this model, the ball, which is both the spool and the mixer, has not two, but three holes. Two of them regulate the supply of cold and hot water, and the third regulates the pressure. Before you figure out why the faucet is leaking in the bathroom, you need to determine which model it belongs to.
In the first case, the connections between the taps and the mixer most often leak. To eliminate the problem, simply tighten the nuts or replace the gaskets. If the housing itself is leaking, it needs to be replaced. In the second case, the repair is similar to the repair of an ordinary tap.
The remaining bathroom fittings are a watering can, hoses and pipes. Water leakage is eliminated by replacing gaskets or tightening connections; their depressurization requires replacement. For more serious problems, it is better to contact a specialist.