Your leaky faucet could cost you hundreds of dollars a year. You probably think that’s money you could spend in better places, but what can you do about it?

Faucet repair is the best solution. If you fix what’s broken, you’ll solve your problem. But you’re not a plumber, and it could take a few days before one can see you.

Don’t worry; we’ve got four tips to help you with a leaky faucet repair job. You’ll know how to repair a leaky faucet in no time.

Understand Why Faucets Drip

The first tip we’ve got is to know why your faucet leaks. You can’t fix something if you don’t understand how it’s broken.

Most leaking faucet repairs happen because washers are loose, and seals wear over time. Faucet parts get old and beaten down after prolonged use.

Turn Off the Water

Turn off the water before your bathroom faucet repair work. Leaving the water on can further damage the faucet. While the water is off, try adjusting the tap handle to redirect water flow around broken washers.

After the adjustment, turn the water back on and check for leaks. If you don’t spot water, your temporary fix worked. But don’t be fooled into thinking you permanently resolved the problem.

Putty Over the Leak

Shower faucet repair is easy with a dab of putty. Take a tiny, pea-sized bit of putty and smear it where seals are worn away. Make sure you remove excess material.

If you don’t have plumber’s putty, try gum. Gum is sticky, and has little give once stuck to something. Don’t forget these are only temporary solutions. Putty and gum will eventually break down.

Some types of plumber’s putty can stain certain materials like marble and granite. Read the user’s instructions carefully to see what surfaces you can safely putty over.

Use Rubber Washers

If you notice the putty (or gum) faucet repair worked, consider replacing the old washer with a new one. Adding a rubber washer is the natural step after adding putty.

You can get cheap, $1 washers for bathroom and kitchen diverter faucets. First, remove the tap handle and putty around where the parts meet.

Next, push the washer in place and put the handle back on. It’s a good idea to keep rubber washers on hand in case you need quick leaky faucet repair.

Need Faucet Repair?

Leaking faucet repair isn’t the unsolvable mystery you may think it is. There are plenty of quick fixes for your broken tap. Faucet repair can be as simple as a wad of pre-chewed gum.

Remember, plumbers putty is your friend, and to shut off the water no matter what repair method you choose.

If your faucet needs a permanent fix, contact us at Louis Mechanical Contractors. We’ve got over 60 years of experience fixing everything from shower faucet repair to faulty gas lines in the greater Baton Rouge area.