Closed tap is flowing: how to fix the problem?

Even the highest quality plumbing breaks after a while. However, not everyone is able to independently solve the problem and repair the leaking tap. Do not postpone repairs for a long time. After all, a leak increases water consumption, spoils the appearance of plumbing with ugly smudges and traces of rust. You can repair the crane yourself. What is required for this and how to carry out repairs?

Plumbing preparation

If the tap is leaking, you can fix it yourself. First you need to prepare everything. If the packaging from the mixer is preserved, then it is worth finding it. As a rule, it will contain detailed instructions describing the structure of the accessory and some recommendations for its repair. In addition, the package may contain the tools necessary to repair the crane.

Before starting repairs, turn off the water. To do this, close the valve. In this case, it is necessary to turn off the supply of not only cold, but also hot water. Liquid collection will require a deep container, such as a basin. You should have dry rags or sponges on hand during repairs to wipe off spray.

What will be needed for repair

After the preparatory work, you can begin to troubleshoot the mixer. If a closed tap is leaking, then special tools will be required to repair it. They need to be prepared in advance. To troubleshoot, you will need:

1. Wrench.
2. Flat screwdriver.
3. Adjustable wrench.
4. Crosshead screwdriver.
5. Item for replacement.
6. Sealing tape or linen.
7. Soft material.
8. Dry rags.
9. Deep capacity.

This simple set of tools, as a rule, is enough to eliminate a leak. If there is no time to run for new gaskets, then they can be made of leather or rubber. Typically, the valve leaks due to wear of the part. Soft material is required to protect the sink from damage. After all, a tool can slip out of your hands. As a result, ceramics can break, and enamel will crack on metal.

Dual valve tap: gasket replacement

Why is the tap flowing? Most often, such accessories wear out the liner or gasket. To replace it requires:

1. Unscrew valve housing. To do this, the part must be turned counterclockwise.
2. Now you can remove the damaged gasket.
3. A new piece should be made from a piece of thick leather or rubber. For a sample, take a worn gasket.
4. The new part must be carefully installed in place of the old.
5. A little sealing tape should be wound around the stop edge. You can use flax.
6. In conclusion, it is worth installing the valve body in its former place. To do this, the part should be rotated clockwise.
7. The installed valve must be tightened properly. You can use a wrench to do this.

If the tap has been flowing for a long time and requires a quick replacement, then a new gasket can be purchased at a specialized store. This will save time. As for the home-made part, it is more suitable for short-term troubleshooting.

How to replace the packing insert

A two-valve valve flows for several reasons: a gasket that has become unusable or wear of the packing gland. If necessary, both parts can be replaced independently. It is possible to recognize wear of the stuffing box liner by flowing water between the valve stem and the stuffing box nut. To fix the breakdown, you must:

1. Unscrew the nut of the gland itself. This can be done using a screwdriver with the appropriate tip.
2. From a sealing fluoroplastic tape it is worth making a new liner on the model of the old.
3. The worn part must be carefully removed.
4. A new liner should be wound around the valve stem.
5. Finally, tighten the nut.

If everything is done correctly, then the flow will stop. At the same time, the valve will turn more smoothly.

How to replace a shower hose gasket

Often, a leak appears at the place where the shower hose and faucet are connected. The main reason for such a breakdown is the wear of the ring gasket. This part can be easily replaced. To do this is:

1. Disconnect the shower hose with an adjustable wrench from the mixer. Everything must be done very carefully so as not to damage the thread. Otherwise, the hose itself needs to be replaced.
2. Now you can remove the worn part.
3. Replace the old ring gasket with a new one.
4. In conclusion, it remains to screw the shower hose into place, acting gently and not pinching it.

To eliminate such a leak, experts recommend using a silicone ring gasket. Parts made of rubber are short-lived and wear out quickly.

If, when switching the water flow to the shower hose, the tap flows smoothly, then the locking element must be replaced. This part is called a "crane box". The locking element is located in the handle of the mixer. You can buy a crane box in a specialized store.

The main causes of failure of a single lever ball valve

If a tap leaks, then the problem must be fixed quickly and efficiently. Otherwise, water can cause more damage and permanently ruin the plumbing. Ball-type single-lever products may become unusable:

1. Due to wear of the gasket.
2. Chips and cracks on the body that arose as a result of mechanical damage.
3. Rusted aerator.
4. Accumulations of large amounts of dirt.
5. Gap between ball and saddles.

A defect in the housing can be eliminated by applying cold welding or sealant. However, this is only a temporary measure. After some time, a complete replacement of the structure will be required.

If the reason lies in the rusted aerator, then it should be removed and then cleaned. You can do this with an old toothbrush. It is worth noting that after cleaning, the water pressure will become stronger.

If the ball valve breaks

The ball valve has a more complex structure and differs from a two-valve one. Most often, such products break due to dirt accumulated inside the case. It is she who disrupts the operation of the mixer. If water flows from the tap, then it must be disassembled, cleaned well and reassembled. This requires:

1. Unscrew the screw securing the lever using a screwdriver with the appropriate tip.
2. Carefully remove the lever and unscrew the threaded screw with a screwdriver.
3. Then it is worth removing the seal from plastic and the dome of the mixer.
4. The gasket should be carefully inspected and then cleaned of plaque. If there is obvious damage, then it is worth replacing it.
5. Now you can take out the ball and examine it. If the part is damaged, then it is worth replacing it. You can buy a ball in any plumbing store.
6. Using a thin screwdriver, you need to very carefully pry the seal that secures the ball. If necessary, the gasket should be replaced.
7. All seals before assembling the valve should be treated with a special composition recommended by the manufacturers.
8. In conclusion, it remains to assemble the crane, acting in the reverse order.
   

Problems with the new crane

What to do if a faucet flows? How to fix a new faucet? As a rule, such products cannot be repaired. The main reason for their course is factory defects. To troubleshoot, dismantle the new mixer and take it back to the store. Damaged product must be replaced. The main thing is not to throw away the check and documents until the first sample of the mixer. Only a professional plumber can repair a crane that has a factory defect at home.

Is damage possible?

If desired, the faucet in the bath or in the kitchen can be repaired independently. This will save a decent amount. However, not always repair allows you to restore fully the functions of the crane. In most cases, a complete replacement of the mixer is required . In order to avoid frequent breakdowns in the future, you should carefully consider the choice of accessory. Please note:

1. Structures made of heavy metals, such as brass, are the most durable.
2. The most unreliable and fragile are silumin mixers from Turkish and Chinese manufacturers.
3. Single lever cranes are much more convenient. Such a product allows you to open water with one hand. In addition, the repair of such accessories can be carried out independently. A single lever mixer has significantly fewer parts.
4. Avoid frequent damage to the crane. The main reason for the failure of plumbing is the pollution that comes from the water main. To prevent this, install a filter designed for rough cleaning. Such a device will allow you to keep the crane in integrity for a long time.
   

In conclusion

The current tap in the bathroom or in the kitchen is unpleasant. Constantly dripping water annoys and spoils the appearance of plumbing. You can fix the problem yourself. The main thing is to clearly imagine the structure of the structure and have the necessary tools at hand. Product repair also depends on its variety. Most often, ball and two-valve mixers fail.