Plumbers install, repair, and maintain the pipes and fixtures that provide water, gas, and waste disposal in homes and businesses. Their work requires them to follow building codes and blueprints when installing new systems, and they also must be able to identify and troubleshoot problems with existing plumbing.
Plumbers frequently interact with clients, so they need good customer service skills and explain complex issues in understandable terms. They also need to be reliable and punctual. Contact Plumbers Clearwater FL for professional help.
Leaking faucets can not only be annoying, but over time can result in water damage and costly repairs. Plumbers use specialized tools and techniques to inspect and repair plumbing systems, including faucets. Many problems with faucets are easy to fix, such as replacing rubber or neoprene seals and washers, but more serious issues may require the services of a professional. Before beginning a faucet repair, it is important to turn off the water supply valve. It is also helpful to have a towel in the sink to catch any small parts that may fall down the drain. Once the valve is turned off, remove the handle and any decorative caps or covers to expose the screw that holds the handle on. Depending on the type of screw, it might be tight and require a wrench to loosen. If the screw is stuck or corroded, try using penetrating oil to help loosen it. Once the screw is removed, the handles should pull off easily.
A common cause of leaking faucets is worn out O-rings. These rubber rings fit around the valve stem and can become loose or damaged over time, causing leaks. To replace an O-ring, simply take out the handle and remove the spout nut, then remove the old O-ring and install the new one, remembering to coat it in plumber’s grease. Alternatively, you can use petroleum jelly to coat the O-ring.
Other common causes of leaking faucets include worn out or damaged cartridge or valve seats, as well as damaged inlet or outlet seals. Cartridge faucets have a disc inside which controls the flow of water. These can wear out or get clogged with mineral deposits and need to be replaced. To replace a cartridge, first remove the handle and any decorative cap or cover. Next, remove the escutcheon cap or bonnet (a piece of rounded metal that surrounds the disk cylinder) and loosen the screw holding the cartridge with a wrench or channel locks. Once the cartridge is removed, the screw can be removed and the inlet or outlet seals can be replaced.
Faucet Replacement
The best way to ensure that your faucets are always performing at their best is to keep up with regular maintenance. However, there may come a time when your old faucet simply can’t be repaired anymore and it’s time to get a new one. Leaking faucets can lead to water damage in your kitchen and bathroom, which can be costly to repair. They can also cause mold to grow, which is unhealthy for your family and can damage the cabinets and counters underneath the sink.
Another sign that it’s time to replace your faucet is if you notice mineral deposits or rust buildup on the inside and outside of the handle. These deposits are caused by hard water and can build up over time, making it difficult for the faucet to work properly. The deposits and rust can also make the faucet look ugly and unattractive, so it’s important to replace it before the problem gets worse.
If you decide to replace your faucet, the first step is to shut off the water supply to it. This can be done by turning the valves located under the sink that control the hot and cold water supply to your faucet to the off position. Once the water is turned off, you can start to remove the existing faucet. Before you do, make sure that the new faucet you’re getting will fit in the holes in your sink. This will involve counting the number of holes and measuring the distance between them, known as measuring “on center.”
After removing the existing faucet, you can start to install the new one. Most new faucets will come with the necessary hardware and instructions, but you’ll need to have a basin wrench and pliers to unscrew the old nuts that hold it in place. If the existing nuts are rusted or stuck, you may need to brush them off and spray them with penetration oil (such as Liquid Wrench) to help loosen them.
Once the new faucet is in place, you’ll need to reconnect the water line by wrapping the threads of the new hoses with Teflon tape and screwing them back on. Once this is done, you can turn the water back on to test it for leaks and make any final adjustments.
Faucet Installation
Installing a new faucet is a great way to update your home’s decor and increase its functionality. But doing it yourself can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience working with plumbing. Unless you’re simply replacing an old or damaged faucet, it may be best to have a plumber do the work. A professional can typically do more in an hour than you could in a day, and they’ll be able to catch any problems before they turn into big ones.
The most important thing to remember when installing a new faucet is to shut off the water before you start. You’ll want to get a bucket and some rags ready to catch any drips or spills that happen during the process. Once everything’s been shut off, you’ll need to take off the old faucet and the nut that connects it to the hose. It’s a good idea to use a basin wrench, which has a long handle that makes it easier to reach underneath your sink. If the nut is particularly stuck, you can try applying heat with a hairdryer or using pliers to loosen it.
Once the nut is removed, you can begin assembling your new faucet. Some faucets come with flexible tubing for the hot and cold supply lines attached, which makes this step much easier. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to run these tubes from the valves under your sink to the faucet. Be sure to wrap the threads of the supply lines with Teflon tape before screwing them onto the valves. It’s also a good idea to keep one hand on the pipe that runs into your wall so you don’t accidentally jostle it and cause a leak.
Once the lines are connected, you can reattach the faucet and reinstall the deck plate. Before you turn the water back on, be sure to check for any leaks around the base of the faucet and in the sprayer connections. If you find any, now is the time to fix them. It’s a good idea to save all the parts and instructions for your faucet, so you can refer to them later.
Faucet Maintenance
Faucets endure daily exposure to harsh chemicals, soaps, oils, and grime that can wear down their finish and cause internal corrosion. Regular cleaning helps reduce the risk of a costly replacement or repair, and will keep your client’s faucets looking pristine for years to come.
To avoid smudges, water spots, and fingerprints, recommend your client wipe down their kitchen sink designs on a daily basis with a microfiber cloth or sponge soaked in mild soap (close to neutral pH). Abrasive scrubbers and scouring pads are best avoided as they can scratch and damage the faucet’s finish.
In addition to daily wiping, your client should also make it a point to check their faucets regularly for leaks. Even small leaks can add up, wasting water and increasing your client’s utility bills. Using a plumber’s tape or a rubber band to temporarily seal any leaky spots will help minimize water damage until you can get in touch with a professional.
If your client notices mineral buildup on their faucet head, advise them to use a toothbrush or soft-bristle brush to loosen the deposits and remove them. If they find the aerator, which is usually comprised of a screen insert and a rubber washer, to be especially dirty, have them soak it in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water for an hour before brushing it clean with a toothbrush and rinsing it thoroughly.
Once a month, have your client give their faucets a more thorough inspection. If they have been keeping up with their daily and weekly maintenance routines, mineral buildup should be minimal if not nonexistent. If they have a bit more, have them soak their aerator in the same solution described above for an hour before brushing it clean and rinsing.
It’s recommended to apply a thin layer of faucet lubricant every other month to the moving parts of a shower, bathroom, or kitchen faucet. This protects the moving parts from corrosion and ensures a smooth operation. This is particularly important in cold climates where the temperature can drop below freezing.
