Fix your leaky bath faucet if it drips.
A leaking bath faucet can waste water---lots of water. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, leaks in an average home can add up to 10,000 gallons a year. Even if your leaky bath faucet has no access panel to get to the shut-off valves, it's still a relatively simple fix. Try this DIY project yourself and you could save some money both on your water and your plumbing bill. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Check the temperature of the water. If it's hot, your hot water tap is leaking. Cold water means your cold faucet is leaking. If the temperature is lukewarm, both of your taps need replacement.
2. Shut off the water supply for the leaky bath faucet that needs repair. Since there is no access panel, this will have to be done at the main water switch. Look in your front yard for a concrete or plastic box that houses your water meter. Open the box and the main water shut off valve should be inside. Rotate this valve from its current position to turn off the water supply.
3. Open the bath tub faucet taps and allow the water inside to run out.
4. Use the edge of a flat bladed screwdriver to pop off the faucet screw cap cover. These are concealed as the "H" or "C" labels on the faucet bodies. Unscrew the faucet handle screw underneath the cap with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handle off the valve stem.
5. Unscrew the decorative flange, if present. Unscrew counterclockwise. Or they may be held in place with a small screw, usually mounted on the underside. Remove this screw before pulling off the flange.
6. Unscrew the hexagonal nut at the top of the stem with an adjustable wrench. This is the packing nut. Pull this straight off the stem. Remove the stem itself by unscrewing the hexagonal nut at the base, which is integrated into the stem. Pull the stem out of the socket.
7. Check the valve stem for wear and tear. Clean off any deposits or buildup with a stiff brush. If the stem is bent or cracked, it needs to be replaced.
8. Turn the stem upside down so you can see the rubber washer on the bottom. This also needs to be replaced if it's torn. Remove the washer screw with a flat bladed screwdriver. Pull the rubber washer off the bottom of the stem. Replace with a new one and secure in place with the screw. Apply a dab of silicone grease to the bottom of the rubber washer.
9. Apply pipe thread compound to the threads on the stem. Insert into the socket and secure with the wrench. Slip the packing nut over the end of the stem and tighten with the wrench.
10. Replace the decorative flange and secure with the screw, if present. Slip the handle back over the stem. Insert and tighten the handle screw. Press the screw cap cover into place.
11. Restore the water supply.
Tags: bath faucet, leaky bath, rubber washer, water supply, your water, access panel, bladed screwdriver
