6 Steps to Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet

6 Steps to Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet

There can't be anything more annoying than the sound of a dripping leaky faucet, not to mention the fact that you may be wasting more than 2,160 gallons of water a year on these sorts of leaks. Let Benjamin Franklin Plumbing help by providing you with the 6 steps listed below in order to get rid of this problem, safely, accurately, and most importantly, permanently:

1. Turn off the water at the shutoff valves:

Open the faucet to drain the valves.

2. Pry off the cap from the faucet's top and remove the screw and handle:

Remove top; try not to scrap and damage the finish of the fixture.

3. Remove the packing nut with an open ended wrench or locking pliers:

Cut off the old ring around the base of the spindle with the utility knife and roll on a new one. Be extremely careful not to cut yourself. In certain models, you would need to unscrew the threaded spindle from the packing nut then replace the patching clockwise around the spindle just below the packing nut.

4. Remove the stem screw and washer from bottom of stem assembly and replace the washer:

Insert a mild degreaser pad into the open valve and roll back and forth to clean the valve seat.

5. Stick your finger into the open valve to feel for any rough edges indicating damage:

If the removable seat is corroded replace it. Insert a seat wrench into the hole to unscrew it; coat the threads of the new seat with pipe joint compound before unscrewing it back in. Be very careful not to cross the threads and damage it. Resurface the damaged non removable seat with a seat dressing tool which threads into the valve; as you turn the tea handle shaft a cutter head resurfaces the seat.

6. After completing the repair, turn the faucet to the "on" position and slowly open the shutoff valve:

When the water is flowing without air, turn off the faucet and you're good to go. Those are the 6 steps to repairing a leaky faucet; if you encounter any trouble during this process we're standing by to help you, simply give us a call anytime, 24/7. Remember that you can always count on receiving 100% satisfaction with Benjamin Franklin plumbing guaranteeing you that if there is any delay, it's you we pay!

Visit our website at: http://www.benfranklinplumber.com/ or email us at: info@benfranklinplumber.com - Our phone numbers are listed below for your convenience:

ST. LUCIE (772) 236-6080 / MARTIN (772) 214-3848 / PALM BEACH (561) 316-9007 / INDIAN RIVER (772) 617-0370

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Four main types of water heaters – which one is best for you?

You probably have experienced a shock of cold water while taking a shower! Most likely it was your water heater running out of hot water. This may be due to the age of your water heater, pressure problems, leaking or other plumbing issues.

In the past, most people chose to buy a water heater similar to the last one and why not! Water heater technology hasn’t advanced much over the last century until now.

 Before you invest on your next water heater, it is important for you to know the four main types of water heaters and decide which one id the best for you.

1. Storage water heaters
A single-family storage water heater offers a ready reservoir -- from 20 to 80 gallons -- of hot water.
It operates by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when you turn on the hot water tap. To replace that hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank, ensuring that the tank is always full.
Conventional storage water heater fuel sources include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity.

2. Demand water heaters
Provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with
storage water heaters, which can save you money.

3. Heat pump water heaters
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. Therefore, they can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. To move the heat, heat pumps work like a refrigerator in reverse.

4. Solar water heaters
Solar water heaters -- also called solar domestic hot water systems -- can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use -- sunshine -- is free.

How do you decide what’s best?
What water heater will save you the most money while providing you with the most hot water when you need it.
Here are three pieces of information you need to look for:
1. Peak hour demand capacity: It tells you how much hot water is delivered in a busy hour
2. Ratting efficiency: The best indicator is the energy factor (EF). A higher EF, the better
3. Cost comparison: This is the factor that most keep in mind


As you can see, it can be a bit complicated to make a decision. If you don't know which one will be best for your home and you need an expert opinion, please contact BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING today, and one of our water heater experts will be happy to help you.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for a dree water heater consultation:

St Lucie           (772) 236-6080
Martin             (772) 214-38-48
Palm Beach     (561) 316-9007
Indian River   (772) 617-0370

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