kitchen plumber Archives

Faucet leaks in a rental property are inevitable and at some point, they will happen. Quite frequently, a faucet leak is not considered a big problem because it doesn’t cause flooding. But a leaking faucet can waste an unbelievable amount of water. One faucet, dripping at the rate of one drop per second, can waste 250 gallons of water a month or 3,000 gallons a year.

That is money your tenant does not have to spend, says Taylor Street Management, especially when you consider that a leaky faucet is not hard to fix. A faucet is not a complicated device. All you need to fix the leak is a basic understanding of how faucets work, a few tools, and some patience.

In this guide, we explain the steps you should take to fix a leaky faucet in your rental property.

What causes faucet leaks?

Basically, faucets are an assembly of parts designed to hold water back or release it, as needed. The major internal components of faucets are the O-ring, valve seat, washer, and gasket. If any of these components are damaged, the faucet will leak. The main causes of a leaking faucet are loose or worn-out O-ring, worn-out washer, or corroded valve seat.

Problems with faucet components are unavoidable; they are the result of corrosion and aging. Sometimes you may also have problems with the metal or plastic parts of the faucet. But these kinds of issues are less common. To fix a leaking faucet, the first step is to know which of the four types of faucets you are dealing with.

Types of faucets

Compression faucets: These have separate handles for hot and cold water. You have to tighten the handles to turn off the water. They are the oldest and least expensive types of faucets. Compression faucets are prone to leak.
Cartridge faucets: Similar to compression faucets but slightly easier to operate. This has a removable cartridge with holes that align with the water inlet. The O-ring for this type of faucet is located on the cartridge.
Ball-valve faucets: This is the most common faucet used in kitchen sinks. They are less common in bathrooms. Ball-valve faucets have springs and gaskets in the water inlet port which must be replaced every few years.
Ceramic disk faucets: The newest and most reliable faucets in the market. They are the least prone to leaks because the disk valve is firmly screwed to the valve seat. They are also the most expensive to repair if damaged.

How to fix the types of leaky faucets

The steps depend on the type of faucet, but for all faucets, the first step is to shut off the water supply. After that, you have to disassemble the faucet.

How to fix compression faucets

There are usually two possible causes when a compression faucet leaks. The first and more common one is due to the rubber washer inside the faucet being worn out. This washer is located on the end of the faucet valve stem. A compression faucet may also leak from the handle. If this happens, the packing inside the handle needs to be replaced.

To fix the faucet:

Unscrew and pull off the handle
Using a wrench, unscrew, and remove the retaining nut
Remove the valve and unscrew the washer at the end of it
Replace the washer
If the leak is from the handle, replace the packing inside the retaining nut
Reassemble

How to fix cartridge faucets

Cartridge faucets may be single-handled or double-handled. The procedures for fixing leaks inside both types of cartridge faucets are essentially the same. A double-handled cartridge will naturally take more time. To fix the leaks, it is best to replace all the rubber parts along with the O-rings. If the cartridge itself is damaged, it should be replaced along with the gaskets.

Here is how to do it:

Remove the handle and unscrew the cartridge retainer
Pull out the cartridge
If the faucet has a retaining pin rather than unscrewing nut, you will need needle-nose pliers
Use a flathead screwdriver to get the gasket out of the water inlet and replace it with new ones
Grease all rubber parts before you replace them
How to fix ball-valve faucets

These are very easy to repair but their replacement parts will vary according to the model of your faucet.

To repair a ball-valve faucet:

Remove the handle with a hex wrench or screwdriver
Lift out the ball valve after you have removed the bonnet
Check the valve for damage. Replace if it is damaged
Using a flathead screwdriver, lift the gaskets and springs out of the inlet hole
Insert the new gasket after you have greased it and inserted the springs
Grease the ball and return it to its place

How to fix ceramic disk faucets

These will rarely leak, but if they do you should replace the disk and rubber gaskets.

To do that:

Unscrew the disk
Replace the gasket
Insert the new disk
Screw it into place

The kitchen is the room in the home where most activities take place. In our kitchens, we cook, eat, entertain, and exchange gossip. Kitchens are often the social hub of the home. They also have more appliances than any other room in the home such as a cooker/oven, refrigerator, microwave oven, blender, dishwasher, cooker hood, and lots more.

Additionally, you will often find a countertop, backsplash, cabinets, and kitchen island in the kitchen. These features are made from different materials, each with its specific care routine. This makes the kitchen a very complex zone inside the home. With that complexity comes a greater likelihood that things will go wrong occasionally.

One area where problems often happen in a kitchen is with the plumbing. In order to function as it is designed to, kitchens must be able to supply and remove water efficiently. If this ability is impaired, most activities in this part of the home will be affected or even cease. Additionally, if your home is a rental, plumbing problems might deem it uninhabitable. This is why you should be aware of the high probability of plumbing problems in your kitchen.

7 common kitchen plumbing problems and what to do about them

Clogged sink drain

This is the problem most likely to happen in your kitchen. That’s because of all the food waste and grease that goes into the sink drain. If grease is allowed into the sink drain, it can build up and narrow the pipe, to the point where the flow of water is obstructed. Soap scum and debris will also encourage this process.

The simplest way to get rid of a clogged sink drain is with a plunger. But sometimes, this only offers temporary relief. If the problem keeps coming back, you may need to get a professional plumber to scour the drain.

Leaky faucet

This problem is not only annoying but it can cost you a lot of money. The constant dripping of a leaky faucet will jack up your water bill. The steps to solving this problem depend on where the leak is coming from.

If the leak is coming from the spout, the likely cause is a worn O-ring. This can easily be fixed by disassembling the faucet and replacing the O-ring. If the leak is at the base of the faucet, it is a more serious problem for which you need the help of a professional plumber.

Leak under the sink

This is one of the sneakier kitchen plumbing problems. A leak may be happening under the kitchen sink without your being aware of it for a long time. The usual sign of a leak beneath the kitchen sink is the cabinet underneath the sink is soaked or the kitchen floor is flooded.

This problem can be caused by a broken seal, leaking drainpipe, clogged P-trap, or broken garbage disposal. Since there are many possible causes of this problem, the best way to handle a leak under the kitchen sink is to call a professional plumber.

Low water pressure at the sink

A weak stream of water from your kitchen faucet is often caused by a clogged faucet aerator. The aerator is a small device with a metal screen at the end of the faucet. It is screwed to the tip of the faucet and helps improve its operation. It creates a consistent and splash-free stream of water.

The aerator can become clogged with debris from the water. To solve the problem, unscrew the device and clean it. If the problem persists, the water coming to your home from the municipality may be hard water. If this is the case, you will need to install a whole-house water softener.

Loose or broken garbage disposal

A garbage disposal unit that is poorly installed and comes loose will leak. Such leaks will usually happen around the edges of the disposal unit. A loose garbage disposal unit can also damage the sink and cause under the sink leaks.

Another issue you may face with a garbage disposal unit is if the device is cracked. This will result in the disposal unit leaking. If your garbage disposal unit is cracked or leaking, do not try to fix it yourself, instead get a professional plumber to look at the device.

Dishwasher leaks

Common causes of dishwasher leaks are a broken float switch, damaged spray arms, leaking door gaskets, and leaks around the drain hose connector. The float switch shuts off the water supply once the tub is filled. If it is broken, the tub will overflow. The dishwasher will also leak if it was not properly installed. You can easily fix a broken float switch or damaged spray arms with a screwdriver. But for more complex dishwasher issues, you need a professional plumber.

Fridge water line malfunction

This happens when the water supply line that carries water to the water dispenser and ice maker becomes clogged or the springs leaks. The problem is easily solved by replacing or unclogging the line. When you do this, make sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended repair company, to avoid voiding your warranty.

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Landlord’s Guide to Leaky Faucets in Chicago