The Faucets in Your Home

There are two basic types of faucets.  One is a long-standing design called a compression faucet that usually consists of two handles and one spout. This type of faucet controls the water flow by pressing a washer down onto a valve seat. The other is a more recent development called a washerless faucet. This one often comes with a single lever or knob.  With this type of faucet, the flow of water is controlled by aligning interior openings in a handle with water inlets in the faucet body.  Washerless faucets come in a variety of models and in general, they are repaired by replacing worn seals. In extreme cases, the entire ball, stem unit assembly, or cartridge needs to be replaced.

When water starts to leak in your home, you'll need to know what to do and how to fix it even if the damage is big enough to warrant calling a plumber.  One of the first steps you will need to take is to locate the main water shut off. As the name suggests, this will shut off all the water to the toilets, sinks, and major appliances in the event of a major leak. Usually this major water shut off valve is located in the basement of your home and resembles the outside water tap for your garden hose.

Remember that once you turn off the water supply to your house, it’s is a good idea to turn on the faucets on all three levels   This will ensure when the water comes back on after any repairs are made, the flow will be even back to all the faucets and taps.

When water drips or forms pools under pipes, it is obvious that something is leaking, but the sign of a hidden leak may be a high water bill, or the sound of running water when all the faucets are off.  To locate the leak that you cannot see, follow the sound of the running water to its source.  Look for stains on the ceilings or walls and if you can't find any, check the pipes in the basement or crawlspace.  The best solution for a leaking pipe is to replace it, but pipes can also be patched a number of different ways.

A faucet that won’t run is the first sign of frozen pipes.  As well, water hammer is a noisy problem that occurs when the faucet is closed quickly; this problem can be solved by renewing air chambers or by installing a water hammer arrestor. To keep any pipes in the house from freezing, there's a simple solution that entails simply wrapping uninsulated pipes with newspapers or special foam that can be bought at most home renovation stores. Most of the newer models of home faucets are easy to install and maintain.  With a little practice and by reading the instructions, most home owners can service them without the need of a plumber.