Rescue Repairs the Leaky Faucet
Over the years, our plumbers have seen many faucet repairs. We always carry the most common parts like a diverter valve, ball faucet, and even a ceramic disk faucet, so we can replace them fast! If you suspect a problem with your faucet, there are some things you can try at home.
Your faucet issue could be something as simple as tightening the handle screw with adjustable pliers, replacing worn parts, or adjusting the decorative cap on the faucet. For more serious issues, call Rescue Plumbing at (773) 799-8848!
Dripping Faucet Stem
Inside your faucet, there are multiple different components that all work together.
A faucet stem is a cylindrical metal piece that is inserted into a faucet body and opens and closes the valve. The stem is attached to the faucet handle, which allows you to control the water flow. If the entire cylinder is broken, you’ll need a new faucet.
The faucet stem is a part that goes bad often. If the stem is cracked, it will need to be replaced since it won’t effectively stop the water flow, leading to dripping and leaking faucets.
Due to the many working parts of a faucet, it can be difficult to complete your own repair. However, it can be done with common tools.
How to Fix a Faucet Stem
First, to fix a faucet stem you must turn off the water supply to the faucet.
To remove the stem of your bathroom sink, first, remove the handle and cover. Then, insert a flathead screwdriver so the blade is aiming towards the base of the faucet.
Turn the small screwdriver at an angle to loosen any corrosion on the seam of the stem. It’s important to not use too much force because you might break it off or strip a part.
Once loosened, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull up on the stem and remove it from the valve seat and body of the faucet.
If you do this, it’s important to turn off the water supply to the sink.
While this may seem simple, it can become complicated fast. Some faucet models are rare or unique to older homes so finding a replacement stem can be challenging.
Luckily, Rescue Plumbing has experience will all types of faucet stems. Give us a call so we can replace your faucet today (773) 799-8848!
Leaky Cartridge Faucet
Leaky faucets may be caused by a lot of different problems. It’s important to first understand what type of faucet you have.
Compression Faucet
A compression faucet usually has two handles to control hot and cold water separately. Many bathrooms have these types of faucet handles.
Cartridge Faucet
A faucet cartridge is common in kitchen faucets that usually have one faucet handle to adjust the water supply and temperature.
There are two handle cartridge faucet models and even the cartridge type can vary. There are ceramic disc faucets, which use a cartridge with a ceramic disc in the center to adjust the water pressure.
Knowing the different types of faucets will help while trying to fix a leaky faucet. While the faucet body looks simple from the outside, the internal workings can be challenging to repair. For example installing the replacement cartridge.
Replacing the Cartridge
An old cartridge can cause leaks and low water pressure so it’s important to know how to replace it with a new cartridge. For many faucets it is the same procedures however, it can vary based on the sink or if it is a specialty faucet.
To begin the process, remove the decorative caps from your faucet, remove any set screw or retainer nut. Then, loosen the faucet cam and simply pull up removing the cam washer as well. Remove the remaining rubber seats and the old o rings.
Before you reassemble the faucet, make sure you add new springs, update the o rings and mount the cartridge straight. Your new o ring should help keep your sink in working order for a while.
While this may seem like a quick fix, sometimes changing a cartridge or o ring can be complicated, especially if there are issues with your retaining clip or neoprene seals.
If you encounter anything unexpected, don’t hesitate to call one of our expert plumbers! Our plumbers are ready to fix your sink today! Call us at (773) 799-8848.
Professionals Fix a Leaky Faucet
Sometimes, to fix a leaky faucet, all you need is an adjustable wrench, an Allen screw, and slip joint pliers, but oftentimes it is more difficult. Our plumbers carry the most common stems and cartridges in their plumbing service van, when they arrive they are always prepared!
Luckily, Rescue Plumbing has all the know-how to repair any faucet model! Faucets are all unique, so each repair is different. Our experienced plumbers have fixed thousands of leaky faucets.
Specialty Faucets
On some specialty faucets, the plumber can turn off the water supply valves, remove the specialty part and take it to a specialty store to match the stem or entire cartridge exactly, to fix a leaky faucet with the exact replacement part.
Do you have a leaky faucet? Let our plumber evaluate your faucet and give you a free estimate to repair your faucet.
Sometimes repairing a faucet can require installing a new faucet.