A stripped faucet can be frustrating, especially if you’re unable to figure out the cause. It is a common problem that occurs over time due to wear.
Before you call a plumber, you can consider fixing it yourself; all you need is a replacement, a Flathead screwdriver, and a pliers. After you’ve got your tools, follow the five steps below to fix your broken faucet.
Step 1. Cut Off The Flow Of Water
To prevent getting drenched, you should cut off the water supply for that period. To do this, check below the faucet; you should find a valve to turn the water on and off. Turn the valve to the right to turn it off.
However, this does not apply to bathtubs because there is no valve. When working with bathtubs, you might have to cut off the house’s water supply.
After turning off the water, cover the drain to prevent items like screws from going down the drain.
Step 2. Detach The Faucet Handle Or Cover Plate
Check where the faucet body and cartridge are attached, and remove either the faucet handle or the cover plate. When you encounter the lever-type faucet, detach it by turning it with your hand, and when you meet the knob-type handle, you will need a Flathead screwdriver to detach it. If you find it difficult to detach the faucet handle, place a rubber band on it to increase the friction, then turn it.
Step 3. Detach The Locking Nut
After you have detached the faucet handle and cover plate, you will unveil a locking nut that holds the faucet cartridge in place. A pipe wrench is the only tool to remove this nut, get it and detach the locking nut.
Do not get rid of this screw yet, because your new cartridge might not come with a new screw, especially since it is a replacement cartridge.
Step 4. Remove The Faucet Cartridge.
All the steps you have taken are to remove the faucet cartridge and replace it with a new one. Once you have detached the locking nut, you can easily remove the old cartridge; if it seems a bit difficult, make use of the pliers.
If you do not have a replacement cartridge at home, hold the old cartridge as a sample and go to the hardware store for a new one.
Step 5. Replace And Retrace Steps
After getting the replacement cartridge, fix it where you removed the old one and retrace the steps you took to remove the cartridge.
Put in the new faucet cartridge, attach the locking nut, attach the faucet handle and cover plate. After completing these steps, you can turn on the water again and test to see if it works perfectly.
There, you did it! If it does not seem right, follow the steps to ensure the screws are tightened and the parts are well attached.
If you are unable to get it done after trying the fix, consider reaching out to an emergency plumber and have them check all plumbing works that need repair or replacement.
