How To Fix A Leaky Faucet
The compression tap is the most common type found in Canadian homes. The flow of water is regulated by turning a handle which is attached to a threaded spindle. When the spindle is turned down, the washer or disc attached to the bottom of the spindle is pressed tightly against a smoothly finished ring or ground seal, to shut off the flow of water. If this doesn't make a good contact, usually because of a worn-out washer, water will leak through.You'll need a wrench, screwdriver, fiber or composition-type washers and adhesive tape. The washers should be a good grade; start with %", 1/2" and 5/8" sizes.
(1) Turn off the water directly below the tap or, if there isn't a shutoff valve, turn off the main water supply.
(2) Drain all taps that are higher in level in the. house than the one that you are going to work on. Otherwise the water will back up when you take the tap apart.
(3) Wrap adhesive tape around the bonnet to prevent it being marked by the wrench.
(4) Take off the handle by removing the screw that holds it to the top of the spindle. There may be a knurled nut or snap-on button over the screw-head that you will have to remove first. Remove the bonnet by turning counterclockwise with a wrench.
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May 19, 2012