Plumber Sarasota installs and maintains systems that facilitate water, gas, and waste disposal in residential and commercial settings. Their duties and responsibilities include:
They collaborate with other professionals, such as construction teams, to ensure plumbing is integrated seamlessly into building projects and meets all applicable codes and standards. Plumbers also need to have excellent problem-solving skills when dealing with emergency situations.
Choosing the right faucet handle can transform the aesthetic of any sink. Whether you’re looking for a new porcelain cross-arm bathroom faucet handle or a lever style in oil-rubbed bronze, there are countless options to choose from. Regardless of the type of handle you choose, the basic function is to open and close the valve. The faucet handle can also be turned in several cylindrical directions to control the water temperature and flow.
If you have a single handle faucet and it’s loose, you can try tightening the set screw on the back of the handle or the cap on the base of the handle. This is a good idea to do before attempting any other repairs, as it will ensure that the handle is properly secured and won’t come loose again.
Another potential problem is that the stem inside the faucet handle may have worn, especially if it’s plastic. This can cause the handle to spin above the stops (which limit the minimum and maximum positions), and can even lead to leaks around the handle. Fortunately, this is easy to fix: just wrap the stem with Teflon pipe thread tape. This will make the stem thicker, and should allow the handle to spin correctly again.
Lastly, mineral buildup and corrosion in the handle and its components can also cause the handle to become loose or even leak. A good way to prevent this is by installing a water softener, which will reduce the amount of mineral buildup in your home.
If you are unable to tighten or lubricate the handle, it’s probably time to replace it. Fortunately, this is an easy DIY repair, but you’ll need to shut off the water supply before starting. You’ll also want to plug the drain, so that no parts or screws fall down the drain while you work. After removing the old handle, clean and remove any corrosion from the surface of the handle or its interior. If possible, use a brush or cloth to get into the crevices where corrosion can hide. Soak and clean the handle, then apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the O-rings before replacing them.
Faucet Body
The faucet body contains the valves that control water flow. It holds the handle and spout on top, while below it is a hidden pipe that holds the hot and cold water for distribution. There are three types of faucet bodies: the single-hole body is the standard on most two-handle faucets; a unique bridge body has a longer pipe connecting the two valves and storing mixed water; and the widespread body, which is usually found on larger bathroom faucets.
If your faucet is an older model, it may have a metal cartridge. This is held in place by a metal screw, which is often covered with a decorative cap. Remove the cap and unscrew the screw to pull out the handle assembly. Unscrew the hex nut section of the valve stem assembly with a wrench or screwdriver, and lift the cartridge straight out. Look at the top of the cartridge to see if it has one or two tabs that fit into notches on the faucet body. If it does, note the orientation of the cartridge, as you will need to reinstall it in the same way.
You should also note if the faucet has an aerator, which is a small sieve-like piece that mixes air into the stream of water to reduce dripping and conserve water. If it does, you can remove the aerator by turning it counterclockwise with your fingers, or by using pliers for extra leverage. Clean the faucet body with a cleaner intended for mineral build-up and rinse thoroughly to get rid of any residue.
When it’s time to install a new cartridge, you will need a new washer for the hex nut and a new rubber seal. If you’re replacing the entire faucet body, you can buy replacement parts at most hardware stores or home centers. When you’re ready to reassemble, turn the water on and make sure there are no leaks from the new cartridge and seat. Use a small amount of plumber’s grease for the cartridge O-rings, which you can purchase with a new cartridge, and the little brass screw at the top of the cartridge shaft, if needed.
Faucet Spout
The spout of your faucet is what extends out of the sink to give you water to rinse dishes and wash food. The spout is usually held in place by a cap or a cartridge, depending on the type of faucet you have. The spout can also have an aerator or a flow restrictor to control the amount of water that is released. You can find replacement parts for your faucet online or at your local hardware store. Make sure you purchase a replacement that is an exact fit for your faucet to avoid any leaks.
Leaks around the spout are caused by problems with either the washer or the valve seat. The washer seals the spout when the handle is in the off position. When the spout is in use, it is pushed against the seat by the water supply line to open the spout and release water. If the spout has been open for awhile, there is often mineral buildup on the valve seat that can cause it to wear out and leak.
To repair a leaky faucet spout, you will need to remove the faucet handle and spout housing. This will require removing the handle screw with a pocketknife or utility knife, then unscrewing the handle from the spout body with a wrench. Once the handle is removed, you can remove the decorative cover from the spout body to expose the hex-head screw. Once the screw is removed, you can unscrew the retaining ring with slip joint pliers to pull the spout assembly off of the faucet body.
Once you have removed the spout assembly, clean all of the parts with white vinegar to remove any mineral buildup. Then screw the new spout assembly back into the faucet body. Ensure the spout assembly is in the off position and connect the hot and cold water supply lines. Reconnect the water supply tubes, turn on the water and test the new faucet spout for any leaks.
If you have a cartridge-type faucet, you can find replacement parts for your fixture at most hardware stores or home centers. Be sure to bring the old cartridge with you to the store to help you find an exact match. You can also buy a faucet repair kit, which includes all the necessary parts to fix your faucet.
Faucet Seat
The faucet seat, located at the base of the device used to turn the water on and off, creates a seal that prevents the washer from rubbing against the stem and creating a drip. Over time, the seat can wear down or loosen and will no longer create this necessary barrier. When this happens, the washer is not able to stop rubbing against other parts of the faucet and the resulting friction causes it to leak. Replacing the valve seat is a simple fix that saves both water and money.
The washer is a large piece that sits inside the faucet, moving up and down when you turn on and off. This constant movement causes friction, leading to normal wear and tear over time. It can also lead to a variety of problems, including the formation of a leak around the handle. Luckily, replacing the washer is an easy and inexpensive fix that can save you from having to replace your entire faucet.
In most cases, a drip is caused by a worn washer or valve seat that no longer creates a seal. In order to repair the problem, the plumber must first clean all parts of the faucet and then replace the washer or valve seat. Having the proper tools makes this job much easier and faster.
A special tool called a valve seat wrench is available to remove the old valve seat and replace it with a new one. This tool fits many different types of faucets, and the wrench has a unique design to accommodate a range of shapes and sizes. This tool is available at most hardware stores, and it can be very inexpensive when compared to the cost of a new faucet.
A leaking faucet will usually drip either from the spigot or the handle. If it leaks from the spigot, this indicates that the rubber seat is worn and must be replaced. If it leaks from the handle, the adjusting ring may be loose or corroded and will need to be tightened. In either case, it is important to turn off the water supply before beginning this repair.