A leaky sink in Vermont is best left to a professional plumber

A dripping faucet is more than just an annoyance; it is also a financial black hole, as the leaky faucet will increase your water bill.

You may be able to fix a leaky faucet, but if the thought of doing plumbing is too much, call Plumbers 911 Vermont and be referred to a local Vermont plumbing contractor who can expertly perform this work.

Simple steps to repair a dripping sink 

The key to fixing a leaking faucet is to know what type of faucet you own. There are primarily three kinds of faucets: 

• Spout with a cartridge 
• Compression sink mixer 
• In-sink aerator with ceramic disc 

Turn off the water valve to your faucet

The first thing you should do is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. The water supply valves (one for hot water and one for cold) are located beneath the sink. Turn the knob or lever clockwise until it is tight. If the leak persists after the valves have been closed, the water supply must be turned off at the main valve, which is located elsewhere in your home.

Replace or repair the faucet cartridge 

The next step is to remove the screw and decorative cap from the faucet handle. To take off the handle, tilt it or pull it up. The cartridge might be held in place by a threaded retention clip. In this case, use needle-nose pliers to unclip the cartridge and then remove the cartridge. 

The next step is to use a utility knife to remove the spout and the O-rings. Use the plumber’s grease to coat the new o-rings. If the entire cartridge needs to be replaced, you should trim the new cartridge so that it is the same length as the previous one. Then reinsert the stem into the hole where the handle meets the body. 

Repair or replace a compression faucet 

A new seat washer is usually needed to fix a leaking compression faucet. 

Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the handle’s ornamental cap to gain access to the mounting screws. To remove the handle, unscrew it from its mount. With a crescent wrench, unscrew the packing nut. Separate the stem from the body of the faucet with the use of pliers or a wrench. 

Next, unscrew the rubber washer from the stem’s base and replace it with a new washer. Apply plumber’s grease to the washers. Remove the o-ring by popping the stem out of the packing nut. Put the handle back on the faucet. 

Repairing a ceramic disc faucet 

To adjust the set screw, simply pull back on the handle. Take the handle off and pull it out. Remove the escutcheon and the screws holding the disk cylinder in place. The cylinder needs to be taken out. Use a screwdriver to pry the seals off of the cylinder. Replace any worn or broken seals immediately. 

Scrub the ports on the cylinders and then reassemble the faucet after you replace the seals.

Need Help In Vermont? Call Plumbers 911 Now! 

Suppose you do not have the right tools or do not think you can successfully perform the steps mentioned above. In that case, you should call Plumbers 911 Vermont to be connected with a professional, bonded, and insured Vermont plumbing contractor who can fix or replace your leaky faucet immediately. 

Our affiliated Vermont contractors employ licensed plumbers who have undergone extensive training, a thorough screening process and a drug test. Give Plumbers 911 Vermont a call at 802-392-2677 to schedule a time for a plumber to fix your faucet and help lower your water bill.