You can repair a leaky faucet yourself

Why can’t you repair a leaky faucet yourself? You can! Faucets come in many different models and types. But you will find only two basic kinds. One is washer type and the other is washer less. The washer type faucets work with a rubber washer that closes on to a metal washer seat. The washer can become hard, worn out and the seat can wear out causing the faucet to leak. You would like to close the faucet tighter to stop the leaking temporarily but there will be internal damage to the faucet. First, turn off the water supply when you want to repair the leak. You can turn off the water at the shut off valve beneath the fixture. If it is not there, then you will have to shut the main valve in the utility room. Also, turn off the hot water supply at the geyser. Remove the handle of the faucet. Loosen the head screw which is beneath the decorative cap in the center of the handle. Lift the handle off its broached stem. You can remove the stem by rotating it in the `on’ direction. It will thread out. Clean the chips from the faucet cavity. If the threads are badly worn out, you can get a new stem to match from a retailer. If the washer is flat and a groove that is worn out, you can even replace the washer with an exact matching size and style. To replace it, you will need a faucet seat wrench and a set of pliers. Turn the washer seat counter clockwise to loosen and clockwise to tighten. You can add a little silicone rubber sealant around the threads of the seat. With this seat and washer service, your faucet should be back in action. With washer-less faucets, the working parts need to be replaced. Prepackaged repair kits are available. You can follow the instructions for installing the replacement parts. Washer-less faucets on tubs and showers are replaced in the same way as those on sinks.