Here’s How to Stop Water Leaks in Your Home
From kitchen taps to bathroom tubs, water leaks can occur anywhere in your home. While a leaky faucet may seem like a small nuisance, it can turn into a full-blown plumbing problem if it’s not taken care of immediately. Water pooling under sinks or on surfaces can lead to extensive property damage and mould, which can be harmful to you and your family. Wasted water can also add up to higher bills. Most water leaks can be easily addressed with some quick DIY plumbing repairs. Here’s how to do them.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet can be a source of irritation but there’s no need to fret. Fixing a leaky faucet is usually easy and inexpensive. These simple steps will help you fix a variety of faucets in your home.
Compression Faucets
Most leaky compression faucets simply need a seat washer replacement:
Shut off the water supply
Use a screwdriver to remove the faucet handle
Use pliers to remove the valve stem assembly and cover
Remove the seat washer and clean any residue
Coat the new washer in plumber’s grease and install it
Remove, recoat and replace the O-ring if needed
Reassemble the faucet and turn on water supply
Cartridge Faucets
Cartridge faucets are designed to be easily replaced when the tap begins to leak:
Shut off the water supply
Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver
Remove the retaining nut with a wrench
Remove the retention clip and cartridge
Coat the new cartridge in plumber’s grease and replace cartridge
Reassemble the faucet and turn on water supply
Ball Faucets
Ball faucets contain more parts than other faucets, so it’s best to buy a replacement kit when faced with a leaky faucet:
Shut off the water supply
Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver
If faucet leaks from the base, tighten the locking collar
If the faucet leaks from spout, remove the top cap, ball assembly, valve seals and spout
Coat the new spout O-ring in plumber’s grease and install it
Install new valve seals and ball, reassemble the faucet, and turn the water on
Ceramic Disk Faucets
Ceramic disk faucets often leak because the rubber seals get damaged and require replacement:
Shut off the water supply
Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver
Remove the disc cartridge
Remove the seals and clean the port
Coat the new spout O-ring in plumber’s grease and replace it
Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water
How to Fix a Dripping Showerhead
A leaking showerhead is not only a nuisance but can also leave behind unsightly stains:
Shut off the water supply and remove the showerhead
Soak the showerhead in cleaning vinegar overnight to remove residue
Check the washer or O-ring for wear and replace if needed
Wrap the shower arm with thread-sealing plumber’s tape or replace the showerhead if broken
Reassemble and reattach the showerhead and turn on the water
How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub or Shower
A shower or bathtub faucet leak can keep you up at night. If it’s the tub or plumbing pipes behind the wall that need replacing, you’ll need to call a plumber. Although many times, all that’s required is a new drain or caulking:
Replacing the Caulking
Use a utility knife to cut away all the old caulking in the tub or shower
Replace any loose grout between tiles
Treat any mould you find with mould cleaner
Apply caulking with a caulking gun
Remove any excess caulking and allow to thoroughly dry
Fixing the Drain
Remove the stopper
Unscrew the drain flange and remove it
Remove old putty from around the drain
Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads of the flange, and apply plumber’s putty to underside
Reinstall the drain flange and remove excess putty
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet
A leaking toilet is a big concern, but a little DIY know-how may fix the problem without calling in a plumber. The first thing to do is tighten up the floor bolts and replace the washers if they’re worn out. If the leak persists, here’s what to do:
Shut off the water supply and drain the water from the toilet tank
Disconnect the toilet floor bolts and remove the toilet
Use a putty knife to remove and replace the toilet wax ring
Replace the toilet and reconnect the water supply
Clean the toilet and floor thoroughly
How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink
A leaking kitchen sink is often caused by a faulty drain or drainpipe. A simple DIY fix can save you money on a service call:
Tighten the slip nuts between pipes with a pipe wrench
Replace any old or cracked rubber gaskets at pipe connections
Disconnect the drainpipe from bottom of the sink strainer
Remove the locking nut from the strainer
Wipe the drain hole clean with paper towel and apply plumber’s putty around drain
Replace the sink strainer and check for leaks
How to Repair Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes is a serious concern as the issue will likely only worsen over time. Here’s some handy items to have on hand.
Plumber’s Tape:
Plumber’s tape is an effective sealant for worn out threads and joint fittings. Simply wrap the flexible tape around the worn threads to patch up leaks on low-pressure lines.
Silicone Tape:
Self-fusing silicone tape is helpful for fixing hairline cracks not found at the joints . Simply wrap the tape around exposed pipes, stretching it tight in overlapping layers for a seamless waterproof layer.
Epoxy Putty:
Pipe or epoxy putty is also a good quick fix for repairing leaky pipes. Knead the putty first until it’s pliable, then apply it to the leak and allow it to harden.
Pipe Wrench:
A pipe wrench is an adjustable wrench specially designed for use on threaded pipes. The jaws are serrated for gripping, and the top jaw adjusts up and down to fit different size pipes.
Addressing water leaks promptly is essential to preventing damage and inhibiting mould growth. If it’s just a leaky faucet or showerhead your DIY fix should solve the issue. If it’s leaking pipes, be sure to call a plumber to inspect the area and replace the pipes if necessary.