Translating…
Did you know a small drip from a shower valve could cost you 30% – 40% more on your average water bill? Most people are willing to tolerate fixtures that drip. Why not, they are annoying of course but it is not destroying your homes structural foundation. They don’t ruin the carpet, walls aren’t stained, and you can still flush your toilet right?
Leaking valves from a tub / shower, lavatory basin, or a kitchen faucet can cost you hundreds of dollars if left unattended. Do not overlook weeping sprinkler irrigation valves either; they too can become an expensive accomplice to an inflated water bill.
Do not let the fear of a costly repair put off calling a professional plumber or a competent repair person to fix the problem. You can pay now, or you will pay later. Because I am a professional plumber, I am not going to leave you stuck between “Should I” or “Shouldn’t I.”
The answer is yes, you should, and I will show you how. A professional plumber can cost around $ 85.00- $ 125.00 per hour, plus the cost of materials. A repair person can average $ 45.00- $ 65.00 per hour. I do not know about you, but for me that is a lot of money. Especially when you figure the cost of a faucet washer is 0.25- $ 1.25 depending on inflation and mark up by your local hardware store.
With a few hand tools and a thimble full of patients, you can fix most leaking faucet valves, saving you a lot of cash. So, let us get started.
First, you will need a few tools; adjustable pliers, flat head screwdriver, “Phillips” or cross head screwdriver, and maybe a smooth jaw wrench. Now, let us determine which side the fixture valve is leaking. Remember there is a hot water supply pipe, and a cold water supply pipe.
Simply place your hand under the drip; if it is warm, it is the hot-water valve stem leaking. If it is cold to the touch obviously, it is the cold-water valve stem. Locate water shut off valves below counter cabinet. Close both valves whether the problem is hot or cold.
If shut off valve is not accessible under the counter, you will have to close water valve entering building, usually at the curb or near the front hose bibb.
Inspect faucet. Look for retaining screws holding faucet handle in place. Remove retaining screw and handle. Once handle (s) are off, unthread valve stem from faucet. A rubber washer should be visible at the base of valve stem.
Take the entire valve stem to your hardware center and have a sales assistant match exactly what you have. Whether needed or not replace both hot and cold washers at the same time since you have the fixture opened.
Reassemble the stems and handles; assure everything is snug, not over tightened. Turn water valves on and test as needed. Most home plumbing repairs can be done simply and affordably saving you costly service charges.