Is Your Sillcock Leaking?
A frost free leaky outdoor faucet, also known as a sillcock or spigot) is not just annoying; it can cost you a small fortune in water bills if left unchecked. In addition, a leaky outdoor faucet can also cause damage to your Oklahoma City home and yard.
Fortunately, for even a novice do-it-yourselfer, a leaky outdoor faucet can frequently be fixed with just a few basic tools and about 30 minutes.
Identify Source of Outdoor Faucet Leak
The first thing you need to do is to determine where the outdoor faucet leak is coming from.
First check to see if the leak is occurring around the top cap that sits just back behind the handle. Inevitably this cap becomes loose on frost free outdoor faucet and all you need to do is simply tighten it back up using your hand. Overtime this cap becomes loose due to changes in seasonal temperatures or simply from frequent use of the faucet.
Next, check to see if it is leaking directly out the spout itself.
If the leak is occurring from the faucet spout, even after you have confirmed the handle is fully turned to the closed position, then chances are there is a failed washer sitting back behind the faucet handle.
Disassembling the Outdoor Faucet
To replace the washer, first turn the water off to the outdoor faucet. Usually the shut off valve to the outdoor spigot can be found inside your Oklahoma City home, for example in a utility room just behind the outdoor faucet. The shut off valve may also be located in the basement.
Next, turn the outdoor faucet to the full on position to relieve any pressure in it and to allow the water to fully drain from the faucet.
Now, using a screwdriver remove the screw that holds the handle onto the faucet.
With the screw removed, pull the handle off.
After removing the faucet handle, use a wrench to remove the faucet nut that sits back behind the handle.
Replace Washer and Clean Internal Faucet Area
Typically it is the washer that sits behind the faucet nut (sillcock nut) that fails. Remove it with your fingers or small screw driver and examine it for damage or wear. If you see either, replace the washer. Also, make sure the internal faucet (sillcock) is free from dirt and grime. If there is grime in it, flush it out with water.
Re-assemble Outdoor Faucet
Once you have replaced the washer and the internal faucet area is free of any grit, reattach the faucet nut cap, the handle, and the screw that holds the handle onto the faucet.
Test Repaired Outdoor Faucet
Turn the water back on at the valve within the basement or utility room to the outdoor faucet and observe water flowing freely from the faucet.
Turn the handle to the off position. If the washer or grit was the problem the leak should no longer be present.
Note that with a frost free outdoor water faucet, the actual shutoff valve sits far back into the faucet / sillcock pipe, (approximately 8 inches), so do not be surprised to see a few drips of water initially after shutting off the faucet. After a few minutes, however, you should see no more drips. With that your leaky outdoor faucet is a thing of the past!
If performing these steps doesn’t take care of the leak, you should call your Oklahoma City plumber who will be able to readily identify the source of the leak and repair it for you in no time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Donovan
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Getting Caulky in Oklahoma City
What You’ll Need
You’ll need to have these tools on hand to caulk bathroom fixtures in your Oklahoma City home:
- Putty or utility knife
- Strong household cleaner
- Clean rags
- Chlorine beach
- Silicone caulk or bathtub caulk
- Scissors
Because tubs and sinks are used practically every day in your Oklahoma City home, the caulking between the fixture and the wall often cracks or pulls loose. When this happens, water seeps into the opening and damages the joint and the surrounding wall. Use silicone caulk or bathtub caulk to make the repair. Use the following steps to recaulk kitchen and bathroom fixtures:
Step 1: Use putty knife or utility knife to remove all old caulk from joint.
Step 2: Clean joint thoroughly with strong household cleaner. If joint is mildewed, scrub it with chlorine bleach. Dry joint thoroughly with clean rag wrapped over blade of putty knife.
Step 3: Apply caulk to joint. Cut nozzle of caulk tube at an angle so opening is a little larger than open joint. If you’re caulking several joints, start with the smallest joint and work up, recutting tube nozzle as necessary for larger joints.
Step 4: Let new caulk dry for several hours.
Don’t let it get wet during drying period. Let caulk cure completely (see manufacturer’s instructions) before using fixture.
It’s always a good idea to let your professional Oklahoma City plumber handle the initial installation of faucets and fixtures, which will ensure that they are properly caulked and sealed.
Article Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-recaulk-plumbing-fixtures.htm
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Multitask! Nix The Drip And Update Your Oklahoma City Kitchen
When it comes to making your kitchen stand out and look great even the littlest things can make a big difference, so if your kitchen faucets are causing you a problem it is well worth forgetting about trying to mess around with repairing them and instead consider having new kitchen faucets installed instead. This is a very cost effective and simple procedure that can make a huge difference in the appearance and practicality of your Oklahoma City kitchen. You can find faucets to suit all needs, and by installing faucets that fit in with any theme you have going in your kitchen or with the general décor of your Oklahoma City home, you can enjoy really adding to the appearance of the room. You will find the perfect sink faucet to match your kitchen, as there is such a great choice available, and you can find accessories to match your kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, and the decor of your kitchen.
Replacing your kitchen faucets can make a real difference
When you replace the faucets in your Oklahoma City kitchen you will enjoy a range of benefits. You can look forward to finding accessories that really fit in with your décor. You can add to the style and class of your kitchen as well simply be replacing the faucets for one of today’s modern and sleek styles. And with these faucets boasting a range of features, you can also increase practicality in the kitchen, making life easier for yourself and others that use the kitchen. You will be able to select from many wonderful styles, with designs and features to suit all needs. There is a wide selection of brass, copper, chrome, stainless steel, and more, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste and pocket. You can select the features that best meet your needs too, with choice that include filter faucets, double handle faucets or single handle faucets, wall mount faucets, mixer faucets and shower faucets, just to name a few.
You won’t have to spend a fortune on your faucets
By shopping for your faucets online you can enjoy substantial savings as well as a wide selection. You will find many top manufacturers offering great deals on faucets via the Internet, and the deep discounts mean that you can enjoy excellent value for your money. Enjoy comparing the faucets to find the designs and features that best meet your needs, save money on the cost, order with ease from home, and get fast and convenient delivery of your order. Then all you have left to do is call your Oklahoma City plumber and have your new faucets installed in no time!
Whatever the theme or décor of your Oklahoma City kitchen, you will be able to really complement it by installing the right faucets to match the style of your kitchen and the kitchen fixtures. This is a great and cost effective way to add to the look and functionality of your kitchen.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Morris
