Fixing Leaky Water Faucets
Among the various types of faucet issues, unfortunately, leaking is one of the most significant and troublesome problems. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to prevent water from leaking out of the pipe. However, there are various ways to fix leaky water faucets, depending on the cause of the faucet’s malfunction, which we will discuss below.
Types of Water Faucets
Before exploring the ways to fix leaky water faucets, it might be helpful to review the types of industrial water valves. Generally, there are two categories of faucets: screw-type (classic) and lever-type.
Long Lever Faucet
These faucets, such as the single-lever long-handle 1/2 faucet, are cost-effective products that recycle water with high efficiency. They also have high durability and low maintenance costs.
Single Cartridge Faucet (Lever and Screw)
The non-gas single-lever cartridge faucet with a long handle 3/4 is typically used for managing radiator water. One side of these faucets has a nut, and the other side is threaded.
Double Cartridge Faucet (Lever and Screw)
Double cartridge faucets, such as the nut-and-union double cartridge faucet 3/4, have cartridges on both sides for connection to a wide range of fittings. Single or double cartridge faucets can be designed as long-handle, butterfly, or coupling types.
Coupling Faucet (Screw)
These small faucets (e.g., coupling faucet with a single cartridge Ø20*1/2) are used to separate branches.
Butterfly Lever Faucet (Screw)
Butterfly lever faucets, such as the package butterfly lever faucet 1, are used for installing and operating various packages, and the probability of breaking the handles is very low.
Nut-and-Union Faucet (Screw)
The nut-and-union faucet with a single cartridge 1 is an industrial faucet used to start and stop the flow of fluids.
Radiator Faucet (Screw)
Radiator faucets are available in pairs (top and bottom) and only top, allowing buyers to choose according to their needs.
Since prevention is always better than cure, one of the most important ways to fix leaky water faucets is to choose the right faucet considering the working pressure and the environment. Therefore, in the discussion of maintenance, points such as regular inspections and adherence to working standards are paramount.
Exploring Ways to Fix Leaky Water Faucets
Given the decreasing water reserves in Iran and human concerns about the future, few people remain indifferent to leaky faucets, even if these faucets do not belong to their own homes. The rising water bill is also a reason that makes indifference to water leaks impossible.
Checking the Faucet Cartridge
The cartridge is one of the most important parts of water faucets, controlling temperature and pressure. If the leaking issue is due to a faulty cartridge, water will likely leak from the base of the handle. This problem can only be solved by replacing the cartridge. If you do not have expertise in this area, it is better to contact a repairman or plumber.
Cartridge Nut Damage
Damage to the cartridge nut can also cause water to leak from the bottom of the faucet. Therefore, one way to fix leaky water faucets is to tighten or replace the cartridge nut.
Checking the Connections
Some connections in faucets may start leaking water after a while due to loose washers and nuts. In such cases, water leaks from the connection point of the faucet to the pipe. It is possible that the connection was not properly made in the first place. So, initially, open and reconnect the faucet to the pipe. If it does not work, the O-ring might be damaged and needs to be replaced.
If faucets are constantly subjected to high pressure, some parts may become loose, leading to water leaks from the connections and dripping water.
Worn-Out Cartridge
Cartridge wear occurs over time due to frequent opening and closing of the faucet. The better the quality of the product, the later this happens. Paired radiator faucets and others, which are exposed to high temperatures, are more prone to cartridge wear.
Damaged Washer
Another way to fix leaky water faucets is to replace the washer. If the washers are worn out, water is likely to leak from the outlet. Long-handle faucets are easier to repair than other faucets, and even non-experts can replace their washers.
Maintenance of Non-Gas Industrial Faucets
To try out the ways to fix leaky water faucets, you need to follow steps that vary depending on the type of faucet, but generally, they can be summarized as follows:
- Shutting off the water supply by closing the main valve
- Disassembling all faucet parts (handle, nut under the handle, washer, etc.)
- Cleaning the faucet and parts
- Inspecting and identifying damaged and worn parts
- Replacing with new parts
- Reassembling the components
- Ensuring all connections are secure
Therefore, even when replacing a 3/4 double cartridge nut-and-union faucet with a 3/4 single cartridge nut-and-union faucet, there are differences. So, if you do not have enough expertise in this area, seek help from the relevant technicians.
Effects of Water Mineral Deposits on Faucets
Mineral deposits in faucets can have various effects on them. These deposits often form due to the presence of minerals such as calcium and manganese in the water. The main effects of these deposits are:
- Reduced Water Flow: Mineral deposits can block pipes and faucets, limiting the water flow. This ultimately causes water pressure to drop in the system, inconveniencing users.
- Disruption in Heating System Performance: If deposits are significantly present in heating systems, they reduce heat transfer from water to other surfaces, increasing energy costs. Therefore, radiator faucets should be regularly inspected.
- Corrosion: Deposits form layers on faucets, which eventually lead to corrosion, damage, and leaking faucets.
Source: negin
