Actions for the environment: stop tap leaks

It is not uncommon to see dripping faucets. Well, if you want to help fight water waste, learn how to solve this kind of problem. It is true that the best solution is to use the services of a professional plumber to stop faucet leaks effectively and durably. But nothing also prevents you from intervening and making the repairs yourself to do a little help for the environment.

Shut off the main water supply

To stop a faucet leak, first turn off the main water supply. Follow the path of your piping to the level of the water meter to find the general valve and close it. This way, there will be no more water flowing, and you can think about the right technique to use to plug or stop the leaks.

Purge the circuit

The second step is to purge the circuit. Water may indeed remain in your piping system. So consider emptying it to prevent new discharge from appearing when you turn on your faucet handle.

Remove the handles from the faucet

To continue, you need to remove the handles from your faucet so that you can access the damaged gaskets and replace them with new waterproof gaskets. Remove the plastic that hides the fixing screw located inside the handle and unscrew the handle. Then remove the latter by pulling it lightly and making sure to hold it in its axis. Remove the faucet head The next step is to remove the head from the faucet. Take an open-end wrench or water pump pliers and unscrew the nut from the head of your faucet. Then, coat it with penetrating product to make it run easily. Then, remove the faucet head with a flat screwdriver and clean it with a rag and a soft brush.

Remove the damaged clapper seal

Once the faucet head has been removed, you must remove the used clapper seal, which is the gasket that seals the junction between the handles and the faucet body. Here you can use a screwdriver to pry this piece up gently. And take the opportunity to remove any debris and dust from the valve seal seat.

Replace the gasket and put everything back in its place

Finally, the last step is to replace the gasket. You must insert the new valve seal in its capsule. Then, you must replace the faucet head by tightening its nut with an adjustable wrench. You must also put the handle back in place, and you must check that no leaks appear in your new installation. Finally, you can turn on your water supply again, and you can use your faucet without wasting water.