the sink. and i still get a small leak coming out. Do you think I should go right ahead and just change the whole faucet unit? the unit was put on the bathroom about 6 yrs ago. please advise and happy holidays.
2006-12-22 01:33:29 · 8 answers · asked by lasalle_1986 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Well, I'm not sure I understand exactly what you turned off, (the supply valve, i guess) or why (why is it still leaking and how will you use the faucet with the supply off?)
But anyway, if your faucet leaks, you can buy a repair kit for the valve, if you know what kind it is. It is a simple procedure.
If the faucet was a cheapy, now might be a good time to invest in a new one.
Either way, if your supply valve beneath the sink won't shut off all the way, you need to replace it. Turn the water off at the source and replace the supply valve (or repair existing) and then you'll be able to turn the water off easily in the future.
2006-12-22 01:42:26 · answer #1 · answered by Lane 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you closed off the valve where it comes out of the wall and you still have a leak, you should also consider changing both valves also.
To answer your question, it may not be necessary to replace the entire faucet. You can remove the valves in the faucet with minimal difficulty.
Remove the handles and with an open end wrench you should be able to remove the valve body. It will be either brass or ceramic depending on the type and manufacturer.
You may only need to replace a washer for around .10 cents each. Or you can bring the entire body with you to the store for a correct match.
The most important part to replace will be deeper in the faucet and it is called a seat. It is a small brass ring that the rubber washer makes contact with to stop the flow of water. To remove the seat you will need to have a special tool. It is called a seat wrench (of course) and is not very expensive, less than $10.00.
If you do not change the seat you will have the same problem within 6 months.
So there you go. That is basically what you will need to do. Changing a faucet is not much eaiser than changing the washers and seats.
Also, I know this may sound strange, when you change your clock's for the season changes, it is a good idea to go around and turn off then on all the valves in your house. The reason for this is to keep them moving. They do not wear out but they will stop working from non use. If you close then open them it will keep build up from occuring while they are in the open position.
Good luck
2006-12-22 05:07:45 · answer #2 · answered by frenchdoc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I presume you opened the faucet and the leak was only a small leak? If so, that means you have two problems, one with the faucet, and one with the shut-off valve.
The shut-off valve isn't a big deal as long as you can contain the water in a pail as you change the faucet. If, however, the leak is pretty large, you may be forced to rebuild or replace the shutoff valve. This would require you to shut off the water to the house.
You could also shut off the water supply to the house, and open the lowest valve in the house. This would drain any water into the bathtub or sink that is at the lowest level as you repair the faucet above it.
I'd put in a faucet with ceramic shut-offs inserts. Those just seem to work without leakage for decades but the faucet will cost in the $85+ range. Well worth it in my mind vs repairs every 3-5 years. The ceramic insert valves are so nice too, even a little kid could close it with their pinky finger.
Good luck!
2006-12-22 01:44:00 · answer #3 · answered by Coach 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just go get a faucet that you like and don't worry about the silly leak. You may replace a washer today on one side, and a washer tomorrow on the other side, and then the something else. If it's 6 years old, then it's probably out of style anyway and the cost is relatively inexpensive and you will be "up to date" again with new fixtures. While you are there, get yourself one of them new fangled shut off valves. Them 1/4 turn ones are sure nice and they are easier to put in than the faucet.... no more problems, no leaks, just nice new stuff. BB<><
2006-12-22 02:29:03 · answer #4 · answered by brad01231 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't think you can replace the washers yourself. Go ahead and replace the hole unit. Neither is a very big job.
2006-12-22 01:41:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you may have to. Check for gaskets first though.
2006-12-22 01:42:17 · answer #6 · answered by vickeymcgee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy a prettier new faucet and forget it.
2006-12-22 02:03:14 · answer #7 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GET SOMEONE TO CHANGE THE WASHER
THATS PROBABLY ALL IT NEEDS
2006-12-22 01:43:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋