Leaky faucet repair techniques
If replacing the washer doesn’t stop a leak in your faucet, it may be leaking from around the packing nut. The packing nut is right beneath the handle of the faucet. If you turn the faucet handle so that water comes out of the faucet, the leakage around the packing nut will diminish or stop. However, the problem isn’t solved, for the water is simply going where it’s easiest for it to go. Water, like human beings, follows the path of least resistance, says the experts of the Littleton plumbing service.
Plumbing Pro Tips
Tip #1 Take a wrench and try tightening the packing nut. If this doesn’t stop the leak, turn off the appropriate shutoff valve.
Tip #2 Keep the faucet turned to its off position.
Tip #3 Remove the faucet handle, and then loosen the packing nut and remove it.
CONSIDER THIS: You now have two possibilities. There may be a washer inside the packing nut or Teflon-coated faucet packing. Whatever you have needs replaced. If you need a new packing nut washer, take the packing nut to a local Littleton plumbing supply hardware store and ask for a washer for that particular packing nut. Buy a number of washers since you may need them for other faucets around the house.
