MetaChat - What a drip

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18 February 2013

What a drip I have a leaky kitchen faucet. There doesn't seem to be a washer in it to replace, but only a $10 aerator that I installed myself. I want to renovate my kitchen next year and so don't want to buy a whole new faucet now because they don't seal down as well on a second installation. Is there something I can buy and screw into the tap to stop the leakage?

post by: Orange Swan at: 11:46 | 7 comments

Probably not. This is more likely a valve problem, and from what I know of modern faucets, replacing one is cheaper and easier than trying to fix one. Cheap replacements start at ~US$25, but I would go with something costing at least $35 to $40.

posted by Ardiril 18 February | 12:02

Yeah, I'm about to get a new kitchen tap fitted on Wednesday, because buying the ceramic disc inside the tap that's causing the leak is about as expensive as a whole new tap.

posted by Senyar 18 February | 12:35

There are about a dozen varieties of faucet and washer designs now... and I can only imagine that Canada probably has a few the US doesn't have.

Make, model, and some googly time might help.
Replacement is not rocket science, but the ever changing world of plumbing does make it hard to say which seal is bad.

posted by buzzman 18 February | 16:03

May I butt in and ask if I need to get a new valve to go with my new shower faucet trim? I've already sprung for a new shower system (bar, shower head, handheld shower) in preparation for a pricey replacement of my shower enclosure next month. The contractors doing the work then said it would be much cheaper if I bought my own shower system. But I had to get the shower faucet/controller trim separately as it didn't come with the shower system. I am loath to spend more for a valve unless I need it.

Also, I know I am very lucky to be able to buy the shower upgrade, don't think I don't. Though given that my current shower is peeling and the door is coming off, I think I kinda have to.

Lastly, I'm just impressed with your ability to do this on your own with a bit of bunny help, OS.

posted by bearwife 18 February | 22:14

Since you already have a contractor, bearwife, direct this question towards him or her. My father's rule of thumb when replacing an entire enclosure was to replace everything that would be concealed once the enclosure was installed. However I do not know if that was sound advice or his upselling the project.

posted by Ardiril 18 February | 22:32

Funny, that's what my husband said too, Ardiril. OK, will ask them.

posted by bearwife 18 February | 23:00

Access panel, access panel, put it behind an aesthetic something but access panel, ... , sooner or later the wall will need torn out otherwise... ugly scar on wall and rework or access panel...
gawd i wish i was illiterate i could live under a bridge, drink all day, and eat at soup kitchens... . so simple.

posted by buzzman 18 February | 23:42

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