This is one of the simplest DIY tasks that trouble nearly every home in the US. However, many people have no idea how easy it is to do. With a little help from Lowes, you can get all the tools and materials you need and of course using a Lowes Printable Coupon from We Are Coupons you can save money instore too! So, how do you fix that leaky faucet? Here is a really quick guide:
Shut Off the Water
First things first, shut off the water. Make sure you shut off the water to the faucet, to be safe is makes sense to switch off the water to the house and let others know you have done so. Once switched off drain out any excess water by turning the faucet on and close it once done. You are now ready to get down to work.
Remove the Faucet Handles
Very often, especially on most conventional faucets, the handles can be easily removed with a screwdriver. Lifting up the cover exposes the fittings, and these are also easy to remove. As you remove each component you should lay them out in the order in which you took them off so as to make reassembly easier.
Remove Valve Stem or Cartridge
With the handles removed, the inner valve stem or cartridge will be revealed. You must now extract this from the body of the faucet. There are different types of faucet and each may be different, however, the process is very straightforward.
Inspect the Faucet Parts
Once removed you need to inspect the parts to see where the problem lies. There can be a variety of small components that may include traditional rubber washers, rubber O-rings, and ring-shaped rubber seals. At this time it makes sense to replace any damaged or worn parts and this may mean a visit to Lowes with your Lowes Money Off Coupon.
Clean the Valves
With everything now exposed you can inspect the body of the valve, generally made of brass. In some cases, the brass has become rough or mineral scale may have built up. You may need to soak the valve in some cleaning solution or vinegar to remove the build-up. If the brass is badly roughened or damaged it may need replacing. Once the valve is clean or has been replaced you can reassemble your faucet and in no time at all running water will flow and the dripping will have stopped.
