Slow drips often result from a few common problems.
To the novice plumber, faucets appear complex and confusing. However, despite the faucet's abundance of small parts, repairs frequently boil down to common, easily solved problems. The answers to common faucet plumbing questions often reveal a solution to leaks, drips and other familiar faucet dilemmas. Become familiar with frequently asked faucet plumbing questions and step closer to the solution to your plumbing project.
What Is a Faucet Aerator?
An aerator transforms a water supply's steady stream into a controlled flow of water. The shape of an aerator and its tiny metal screen regulate the flow of water and reduce the gallons per minute (GPM) running from a fully open faucet. The aerator appears at the tip of a faucet and attaches by means of screw-like threads. Typically made of soft metal, such as aluminum, leaks surrounding aerator connections are common. Aerator threads and diameters are not standard. To avoid a return trip to the hardware store, bring the old part to the store for comparison.
How Do I Tell a Compression-type Faucet Stem From a Cartridge-type or Washerless Faucet Stem?
Many cartridge-type or washerless faucet stems are made partially or wholly from plastic parts. Compression stems are overwhelmingly brass and feature a hexagonal, wrench grip around their shank. Cartridge-type and washerless faucet stems often sit flush or below the surface of the faucet's handle. A compression stem's tip protrudes above the surrounding faucet body following handle removal.
How Do I Remove a Cartridge-type or Washerless Faucet Stem?
While the traditional compression-type stem simply requires an adjustable wrench for removal, cartridge or washerless stems often require specialized removal tools. Tool manufacturers often market these tools under the name cartridge stem removal tool or stem puller. Additionally, many manufacturers produce proprietary stem-removal tools. Find your faucet's make and model, and consult the manufacturer's website or plumbing supply shop employee to locate the specialized tool, if necessary.
What Are Common Causes of Slow Faucet Drips?
Many drips are due to worn washers or O rings. Compression-type faucet stems rely on rubber parts, such as washers and O rings, to stem the flow of water through the valve's opening. Minerals and chemicals present in a water supply combine with regular wear and tear to deteriorate the surface of the small rubber parts. Fortunately for the do-it-yourselfer, O-rings and washers are inexpensive and available at many hardware stores and plumbing supply shops. However, washer and O ring replacements must be a precise match to their predecessor. Avoid a return trip to the shop by taking the worn part or faucet stem with you when you buy new parts.
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