How To Fix a Leaky Old Fashioned Faucet?

Leaky faucets can be a frustrating and wasteful problem to deal with. Not only do they waste water, but they can also cause annoying dripping sounds and damage to your sink and countertop. If you have an old-fashioned faucet, you may be wondering how to fix a leaky old fashioned faucet yourself rather than calling a plumber and spending a significant amount of money.

The good news is that fixing a leaky old-fashioned faucet is not as complicated as it may seem. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can have your faucet running smoothly and drip-free in no time. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of the process, from identifying the problem partly to reassembling the faucet, so you can tackle the task with confidence.

Why Is Old-Faishoned Faucet Leaking?

Worn Out Parts

One of the faucet components that wear out the most frequently is the washer. They seal the valve seat to stop water from flowing, and they are found near the base of the valve stem. If the washer starts to show signs of wear, it won’t be able to make a tight seal, and water may start to seep from the old fashioned faucet.

Another typical component that can degrade over time is the o-ring. They surround the valve stem and aid in sealing the connection between the stem and the faucet body. If the O-ring starts to wear, it will no longer be able to form a tight seal, which will allow water to leak out of the old fashioned faucet.

Valve stems may also deteriorate over time. They are in charge of regulating water flow but can corrode or sustain damage, leading to leaks.

Corrosion

Another typical reason for leaks in vintage faucets is corrosion. Due to exposure to moisture and minerals in the water, the metal components of a old fashioned faucet may corrode. The components may become less effective in stopping leaks as a result of corrosion.

Due to the minerals in the water that can develop accumulation on the metal components of the faucet, corrosion can be especially problematic in locations with hard water.

This accumulation may weaken the metal and increase its susceptibility to corrosion. Water can leak out of the old fashioned faucet as a result of the corrosion-prone components eventually developing cracks or holes.

High Water Pressure

Particularly in places with high water pressure, excessive water pressure can be a frequent cause of old fashioned faucet leaks.

The excessive pressure exerts extra strain on the faucet’s parts, which could potentially result in leaks and faster component wear out. Furthermore, a faucet may become damaged due to stress from splashing water and excessive water pressure.

How To Fix a Leaky Old Fashioned Faucet?

Shutting off The Water Supply

The first step in repairing a leaky old fashioned faucet is to turn off the water supply. This guarantees that no water flows while you are repairing the old fashioned faucet and stops any more damage or floods on your property.

Look under the sink or close to the main water supply valve in your home to find the water shut-off valve for your faucet. The water shut-off valve may be a lever or a knob that you may operate to stop the flow of water to the faucet. Turn off your home’s main water supply if you are unable to locate the water shut-off valve.

Remove Handle

Typically, a screw is used to fasten the handle to the old fashioned faucet, either on the handle’s top or bottom. To remove the screw, you might need a screwdriver. When it’s time to put the faucet back together, be sure to store the screw and handle in a secure location where you can quickly locate them.

Use a handle puller if removing the handle proves to be challenging. By offering leverage and grip, a handle puller is a gadget that makes it easier to remove obstinate faucet handles. Most hardware stores and home improvement businesses have handle pullers.

Remove Valve Stem

Although it can be challenging, removing the valve stem from an antique faucet is a necessary step in repairing a leak.

You will want a set of pliers in order to remove the valve stem. Find the packing nut first, which is at the base of the valve stem. Typically hexagonal in shape, packing nuts are manufactured of brass.

The packing nut should be turned counterclockwise while being carefully held in your pliers. You might need to apply some force to the nut to release it because it might be tight. You risk damaging the nut or the valve stems if you exert too much pressure.

Once the packing nut is loose, you should be able to pull the valve stem out of the old fashioned faucet. If the valve stem is stuck, you may need to use a pair of channel-lock pliers to grip the stem and turn it gently until it loosens.

When removing the valve stem, be sure to take note of its orientation and the position of any washers or other parts that may be attached to it. This will make it easier to reassemble the old fashioned faucet later on.

Replace O-ring

You should be able to quickly remove the O-ring with your fingers or a pair of pliers because it will be situated at the base of the stem.

Visit a hardware store with the old O-ring to select a replacement that is the same size and shape. Choosing the proper O-ring size and shape is crucial because a bad one might make the faucet leak or stop working altogether. Once the replacement O-ring is in place, put it onto the valve stem and tighten it at the base.

Reassemble The Faucet

You can begin reassembling the old fashioned faucet once the O-ring has been changed. Make sure the valve stem is properly positioned before reinstalling it in the faucet. With pliers, tighten the packing nut until it is snug but do not overtighten.

After that, reattach the handle to the valve stem with the screw. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw, being cautious not to overtighten it as this could harm the handle.

After putting the faucet back together, switch on the water supply and look for leaks. If there are no leaks, turn off the faucet and recheck it a few minutes later to be sure there are still none.

Can a Leaky Old Fashioned Faucet Stop On Its Own?

A leaky old fashioned faucet may stop on its own, but it is unlikely. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out component, such as an O-ring, washer, or valve seat. These components can become damaged or worn over time, causing the faucet to leak. If left unrepaired, the leak may continue or even worsen, leading to wasted water and higher utility bills.

In rare cases, a leaky old fashioned faucet may stop on its own if the component causing the leak shifts back into place. However, it is not advisable to rely on this as a solution.

Even if the leak stops, the worn-out component is still present and will likely cause the faucet to leak again in the future.

Therefore, it’s best to fix a old fashioned leaky faucet as soon as possible to prevent water waste and higher bills. A plumber can diagnose and fix the issue quickly and efficiently, or you can try fixing it yourself if you are comfortable with basic plumbing repairs.

How Much Will a Plumber Charge To Fix an Old Fashioned Leaky Faucet?

Several elements, including the extent of the leak and the plumber’s hourly rate, might affect the cost of hiring a plumber to repair a leaky faucet.

A basic repair of old fashioned faucet, which includes changing a worn-out part like an O-ring or washer, can cost anywhere between $75 and $250 on average. The price may be higher if the faucet needs more involved fixes, including replacing the valve stem or cartridge.

The hourly rate of the plumber plays a sizable role in the overall cost. Hourly fees vary depending on the plumber’s location and level of experience, but they normally fall between the $50 to $150 range. Some plumbers may also charge a service fee of between $50 and $150 for visiting your home.

It’s best to get an estimate from a few different plumbers before choosing one for the job. Some plumbers may offer a flat rate for basic repairs, while others may charge by the hour. Be sure to ask about any additional fees or charges upfront, so you have a clear idea of the total cost.

Ralph Matthews

Meet Ralph Matthews, father of 2 cute daughters and a skilled plumber with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Ralph has particular expertise in repairing any type of faucet and has helped countless homeowners and businesses solve their plumbing problems with his expert knowledge and attention to detail.

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