Plumbers Wilkes Barre PA install and repair pipes, fixtures, and appliances like sinks and toilets. They often work on large plumbing systems in commercial and industrial settings, ensuring all components are properly connected to meet a building’s infrastructure requirements.
Plumbers must have good listening skills to understand a customer’s issues and develop effective solutions. They also need to have analytical problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues quickly.
When a leaky faucet isn’t fixed, it can quickly lead to water wastage, damaged surfaces and even mold. Not to mention, that annoying sound can become a real nuisance—and an unnecessary addition to your home’s energy bill. Fortunately, many leaky faucet problems can be easily fixed by the average homeowner with the help of a few basic tools and supplies.
Before beginning any work on your leaky faucet, be sure to shut off the water supply to the fixture by turning the handle clockwise until it is completely turned off. This will prevent water from flooding your bathroom and causing further damage during the repair process.
Once the water is off, remove the faucet handle by prying off the decorative cap and loosening the screw underneath with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Once the handle is removed, you can inspect the inside of your faucet to determine where the leak is coming from. Once you have a general idea of the issue, you can purchase replacement parts and make the necessary repairs.
For handles that leak from the top, the most likely culprit is a worn out O-ring or seal. These can be replaced fairly easily by removing the handle, pulling out the old O-ring and applying a new one. Be sure to match the O-ring to the original size and coat it with nontoxic plumber’s grease before installing it.
Leaking faucets in the base of your sink are usually caused by a broken or cracked valve seat or gasket. This is usually an easy fix for a skilled DIYer and can be completed in about 30 minutes or less. Leaking bases are particularly common in single-handle center-set faucets (the handle, spout and valve all connect to the same base) and two-handle cartridge faucets. This type of leak can be very frustrating because it can create water spots on tile, flooring, drywall and wood. These spots may also promote mold growth and can be difficult to clean. Not to mention, the constant flow of water can cause further damage to pipes and valves over time.
Faulty Faucet Seals
The seals inside a faucet are what allow water to flow when it’s turned on and stop when the handle is shut. Over time, these can wear out or become damaged, which can lead to leaking. This type of leaking wastes water and can also cause damage to your home’s fixtures or pipes. Luckily, there are a few easy fixes to address this problem.
The first step is to shut off the water supply to the faucet. Typically, there are shut-off valves under the sink that can be turned clockwise to shut off the water completely. Next, remove the faucet handle. After the handle is removed, you can access the cartridge and other internal components. Once you have all the parts laid out in front of you, it should be relatively easy to spot any damaged or worn-out ones. You’ll need to replace these with new parts, which can be found at a hardware store.
You may have to buy a kit that includes the washers, O-rings, and valve seat. After replacing these parts, you can reassemble the faucet and test it for leaks. If you still find a leak, you may need to tighten up loose parts or replace water supply lines that are old and worn out.
Another common cause of a leaking faucet is a worn or broken disc cartridge. These can wear out over time or crack if exposed to excess pressure. If you suspect this is the case, a plumber will need to replace the disc cartridge or valve seat. They can also perform other repair services that will help to prevent future leaks. It’s important to regularly inspect your faucet for any signs of leaking or corrosion. This will help ensure that all the internal parts are working correctly and to prevent more expensive repairs in the future. You can do some of this yourself, but it’s always better to hire a professional. They have the experience and tools to perform a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs. They can also provide advice on how to care for your plumbing fixtures and keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
Faucet Seat Replacement
The valve seat is a fitting in the bottom of a faucet that opens and closes to allow water to flow. A faulty valve seat can cause your faucet to leak even when it is off. The valve seat can become damaged or worn from age, hard water, or mineral buildup. If the seat is worn out, a washer can’t fit tightly against it and water will seep through the opening. Replacing a valve seat is relatively simple. You can buy a seat wrench at most hardware stores that is designed specifically for this task. If the valve seat is stuck, use a lubricant to loosen it. You may also try tapping the seat with a hammer. If the seat is stripped, you may need to use a screwdriver.
Plumbers often work on plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings, including offices, retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, and power plants. They install and connect pipes, fixtures, appliances, and tools, and may test the pressure of water lines to ensure they are working properly. They also repair and maintain existing plumbing. This work can involve inspecting existing pipework, testing for water pressure and blockages, re-routing pipes, and repairing or replacing parts such as drains, toilets, showers, and taps. Plumbers also have the responsibility of ensuring that their work meets local building codes and regulations.
Most plumbers receive their training through an apprenticeship, which combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. After completing their apprenticeship, they must pass an exam to obtain a license to practice independently. The licensing process varies by jurisdiction. In addition, plumbers must continue to expand their skillset through ongoing education to keep up with evolving technologies and industry standards. They also need to be able to read and interpret blueprints. This can be a demanding career, as it can require long periods of time away from family and friends. However, it can provide a stable income and good job security for those who are successful. In addition, many plumbers enjoy the opportunity to travel and meet new people in their profession.
Faucet Cylinder Replacement
A cartridge faucet’s cylinder usually has a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years, although proper maintenance can extend that. When the cylinder wears out, it is time to replace it. Fortunately, this is a 15-minute job that any homeowner can perform with a cartridge kit purchased at any home improvement store or hardware store. Before installing the new cylinder, feel the water to see if one side of the faucet is leaking more than the other. If only one side is leaking, replace only the cartridge on that side. If both sides are leaking, you will need to replace the cartridge on both sides.
Before beginning the repair, put a sink basket strainer in the drain to catch any falling parts. Before you remove the handle, make sure that the shut-off valves under your sink are completely closed by turning them clockwise. Next, remove the handle by removing a screw that is either concealed under a decorative cap on top of the handle or, in the case of older Moen-brand faucets, underneath a plastic sticker. Once the cap or sticker is removed, pull the handle straight up to remove it.
Look inside the faucet to determine if there is a cartridge retainer clip. If there is, remove it by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver behind the clip and gently prying it away. Some faucets also have a plastic or metal clip that surrounds two tabs on the cartridge; this must be removed to access and replace the cartridge. If there is no cartridge retainer clip, just remove the cartridge by pulling it straight up.
Once the old cylinder is removed, install the new one by inserting it into the faucet body, aligning the tabs or pegs on the cartridge with the notches or slots in the faucet body and replacing the retainer clip or nut. Finally, reinstall the faucet handle by placing it over the cartridge and tightening the set screw with an Allen wrench.
If you are repairing multiple faucets, label the parts that you remove so that you know which ones came from which faucet and can place them back in the correct order when the repair is complete. Taking your old cartridge with you when shopping for a replacement will ensure that you buy an exact match. In addition, some new cartridges come with plumber’s grease to lubricate the O-rings and make it easier for you to insert and remove the cylinder.