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by: KayeFretz
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It is very crucial for you to learn how to fix a leaky faucet nowadays, especially with the high costs of getting a plumber, and with the nuisance that a leaking faucet brings. Now there's no need for you to call a plumber and go through shock after shock upon receiving the high billing. Just go through these easy to follow and simple steps and you'll be fixing that annoying leaky faucet in no time.

Learning how to fix a leaky faucet is actually very easy, as long as you are equipped with the right tools and materials. Basically, all you need is a new washer (preferably one that is suited to the faucet you have at home), some rags, a wrench, and a screwdriver (flathead and Philipps).

But before you start pulling your faucet apart, turn off the main water supply first. This can be done by turning the shutoff or control valve counter-clockwise (off). If you don't know where your control valve is, you can try looking under the sink and tracing the pipes.

Other than that, you also have to plug up the drain with the use of rags. By doing so, you are preventing small parts like washer and screws to go down the drain.

Once you have accomplished that, you can start with the process of fixing the leaky faucet. But be informed that these steps can be applied only to conventional faucets. Most unconventional faucets differ from one another depending on type and brand and you might need specific repair kits for it.

1. Under the handle, there is a nut where the faucet stem is joined to the water pipe. Use your wrench and twist the nut loose to remove it (counter-clockwise direction). With it, also turn the handle counterclockwise to take it off.

2. Once the handle is off, you can right away see a rubber-like washer held by a screw. This washer is probably very old and dilapidated, and this could be the reason behind the leaks. Unscrew the old washer using a screwdriver and install a new one. Make sure that the new washer is of the same size with the old washer. Tighten the screws to secure the new washer in place.

3. Reassemble everything. Replace the faucet handle (turn it clockwise), and tighten back the stem nut to its original location.

4. Time to check if you did everything right. Turn on your main water supply and see whether your faucet still leaks. If it still does, you probably have to tighten the screws even more. If by then, it still leaks, maybe you should try getting a new faucet instead of just replacing the washer. And of course, when there seems to be no way, give up and call a plumber.

That's it! Those are the very easy to understand and simple steps you have to follow in order for you to learn how to fix a leaky faucet. Once you follow these steps, you will never have to call a plumber ever again. You won't have to endure annoying dripping sounds, face nasty sink stains caused by long-standing drips, and think of water wastage caused by the constant dripping. Just learn these uncomplicated steps by heart and you will always be prepared in times of leaking faucets.

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