How to Fix 3 Common Plumbing Leaks

Dealing with plumbing leaks is an inevitable part of homeownership. While some leaks may require a professional’s expertise, you can tackle many common issues as a DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide for performing three common plumbing leak repairs: leaky faucets, leaky toilets, and leaky showerheads.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Water dripping from a faucet is a common issue. Thankfully, fixing a leaky faucet doesn’t require a plumbing license. Most times, a faulty washer is to blame, so here’s how to replace it:

• Shut off the water supply to the faucet.
• Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
• Remove the packing nut to reveal the stem.
• Take out the stem to uncover what you came for: the washer.
• Inspect the washer. If it looks damaged or worn out, it’s the likely culprit.
• Replace the faulty washer with a new one.
• Reassemble the faucet in reverse order and restore the water supply to see if your plumbing water leak repair was successful.

Fixing a Leaky Toilet

Toilet leaks can refer to different problems. One common issue is when the water leaks from the tank into the bowl, causing “phantom flushes,” where the toilet runs briefly even though no one touches the handle. The most likely culprit here is a leaky flapper valve. Here’s how to replace it:

• Shut off the water supply to the toilet.
• Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
• Remove the flapper valve, the rubber component on the bottom of the tank that opens to allow water to rush into the bowl.
• Visit your local hardware store, the old flapper in hand, to find a suitable replacement.
• Install a new flapper and reattach the flush chain.
• Restore the water supply, allow the tank to fill, and perform a test flush to ensure everything operates correctly.

Fixing a Leaky Showerhead

A leaking showerhead is annoying and wasteful. The most common cause is a faulty seal. Here’s how to fix it:

• Unscrew the showerhead from the pipe. You may need a wrench to do this. To prevent damaging the finish, wrap the showerhead stem with a cloth.
• Apply plumber’s tape to the threads to create a watertight seal.
• Reinstall the showerhead and turn the water on to see if you fixed the leak.

Mike Counsil Plumbing is Your Trusted Plumbing Partner

If leaks persist despite your DIY efforts, don’t despair. Some plumbing leak repairs are best left to the professionals. When in doubt, hiring a plumber can save you a lot of stress and prevent further damage.

Choose Mike Counsil Plumbing as your trusted leak repair partner in San Jose, Mountain View, and the surrounding South Bay area. Our family-owned company has been providing fast, efficient services to residential clients for nearly three decades. We’re ready to tackle any plumbing issue, whether large or small. So the next time a water leak gets you down, contact us at 408-916-1226, and we’ll take it from there.