Is your kitchen sink faucet linking? If you have an older style compression type faucet, you may be able to fix it on your own by replacing the washer. Compression faucets are common in the kitchen. Often times, the rubber washer deteriorates or becomes hardened with age. Replacing a damaged washer often returns a leaky faucet to operating like new. So before you call a plumber, here’s how to try to fix it yourself.
Before starting on the faucet repair, make sure you turn off the water supply to the faucet. There is usually a shutoff valve under the kitchen sink or you can turn off the water supply to the entire house. Be sure to turn the faucet on to bleed off the excess water pressure.
Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the retaining screw. Now, remove the valve stem using a wrench or deep socket. Once you have removed the valve stem, you will be able to see the washer attached to the stem by a screw. Remove the screw, replace the old washer with a new one and reassemble the faucet.
If your faucet is still leaking after you’ve replaced the washer, then you may have a more serious problem such as a damaged valve seat. At this point, it’s probably time call a plumber to get a professional opinion. Your plumber will be able to find the cause of the leak and help you decide whether you are better off fixing the original faucet or replacing it with new faucet.
