Water is an essential part of our lives, and when our faucets don’t function properly, it can be incredibly frustrating. A leaky faucet, especially one that won’t turn off at all, can waste hundreds of gallons of water and drive up your utility bills unnecessarily. But don’t worry; with the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can fix a faucet that won’t turn off in no time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

Image: www.familyhandyman.com

Understanding Faucets and Their Common Issues

Faucets have two main components: the handle and the cartridge. The handle is what you use to control the flow of water, while the cartridge is what actually stops and starts the water flow. When a faucet won’t turn off, it’s usually because either the handle or the cartridge is faulty.

There are two main types of faucets: compression faucets and cartridge faucets. Compression faucets use a washer to seal the water flow, while cartridge faucets use a rubber or ceramic cartridge to do the same job. Washer faucets are less likely to have problems, but both types can suffer from leaks.

Image: www.youtube.com

How To Fix A Faucet That Won’T Turn Off

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Faucet That Won’t Turn Off

Before you start, gather some basic tools like a wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver. If you’re working on a cartridge faucet, you’ll probably also need a cartridge puller. You can find all of these tools at your local hardware store.

Once you have your tools, follow these steps to turn off your faucet:

1. Turn off the water supply. This is usually done by turning the shut-off valves underneath the sink. If you don’t have shut-off valves, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to the house.

2. Remove the handle. With the water turned off, you can remove the handle by unscrewing the screw holding it in place. Be careful not to lose the screw; you’ll need it later.

3. Remove the packing nut. The packing nut is the brass nut that holds the cartridge in place. Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut and remove it.

4. Remove the cartridge. If you’re working on a compression faucet, you’ll need to replace the washer inside the cartridge. If you’re working on a cartridge faucet, you’ll need to remove the cartridge itself. Use the cartridge puller to do this.

5. Install a new cartridge or washer. If you’re replacing a washer, make sure to buy one that’s the same size as the old one. If you’re replacing a cartridge, make sure to buy one that’s compatible with your faucet model.

6. Reassemble the faucet. Once you have the new cartridge or washer in place, reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Make sure to tighten all of the nuts and screws securely.

7. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet. Once the faucet is reassembled, turn on the water supply and test the faucet to make sure it’s working properly.

Fixing a faucet that won’t turn off yourself is a relatively simple task that most DIYers can handle. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can get your faucet working properly again in no time.