Types of Faucets, Causes of Drip and Repair Solutions - Fix that Leak!

A leaky faucet can be a nuisance and waste a significant amount of water over time. The good news is that most leaks can be repaired with a few basic tools and a little bit of knowledge. In this article, we will discuss the different types of residential faucets, what causes them to drip, and how to fix them.

The first step in repairing a leaky faucet is to identify the type of faucet you have. There are four main types of residential faucets: compression, cartridge, ball, and ceramic disc.

Compression faucets are the oldest type of faucet and are still commonly found in older homes. They have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold, and use rubber washers to control the flow of water. When these washers wear out, they can cause the faucet to drip.

Cartridge faucets are more modern and have a single handle that controls both the temperature and flow of water. They use a cartridge to control the flow of water. When the cartridge wears out, it can cause the faucet to drip.

Ball faucets are similar to cartridge faucets but use a ball bearing inside the faucet to control the flow of water. When the ball bearing wears out, it can cause the faucet to drip.

Ceramic disc faucets are the most modern type of faucet and are known for their durability and longevity. They use a ceramic disc instead of a cartridge or ball bearing to control the flow of water. When the ceramic disc becomes worn or damaged, it can cause the faucet to drip.

To fix a leaky faucet, you will first need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually done by turning a valve located under the sink. Once the water supply is off, you can begin the repair process.

For compression faucets, you will need to replace the rubber washers. This is done by removing the handles and the stem of the faucet and replacing the washers with new ones.

For cartridge faucets, you will need to replace the cartridge. This is done by removing the handle and the cartridge and replacing it with a new one.

For ball faucets, you will need to replace the ball bearing. This is done by removing the handle and the ball bearing and replacing it with a new one.

For ceramic disc faucets, you will need to replace the ceramic disc. This is done by removing the handle and the ceramic disc and replacing it with a new one.

It's always recommendable to have the right tools for the job, such as a pipe wrench, adjustable pliers, and a screwdriver.

In conclusion, a leaky faucet can be a nuisance and waste a significant amount of water over time. However, most leaks can be repaired with a few basic tools and a little bit of knowledge. The key is to identify the type of faucet you have and then replace the worn or damaged part. With a little bit of time and effort, you can fix a leaky faucet and save water and money in the process.

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