Plumbing is the system of pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses installed in a structure for water supply and drainage. Its primary functions are to provide potable water and remove wastewater in a safe and efficient manner.
A plumbing service can help with a wide variety of tasks. Some of the most common include: clogged toilets, faucet leaks, and pipe repair. Visit https://oharrasplumbing.com to learn more.
O-Rings are incredibly versatile, simple mechanical seals that are widely used in the vast majority of applications. These donut shaped bits of material, most commonly elastomer rubber, are able to create a reliable and highly effective seal in the face of both liquid and air.
O- Rings are commonly found in pumps, cylinders and connectors, helping to seal joins and prevent leakage of both liquid and air. The O-Ring is a very cost effective and straightforward solution to an extremely common engineering problem.
Like all components, O-Rings are subject to a variety of environmental and operational stresses that can cause them to fail. These include compression set, improper gland design or incorrect sizing, incompatibility with the environment and abrasion.
In dynamic seals where there is rotary or oscillating motion, the flat sides of the O-Ring are often exposed to stray particles that scrape across them. This wear can result in cracking or holes in the o-ring that reduces its ability to provide a tight seal.
To avoid this type of failure, O-Rings should be inspected regularly for signs of abrasion and worn spots. O-Rings can also be conditioned to increase their resistance to damage by soaking them in hot water to make them more pliant. Alternatively, silicone based lubricants can be used to improve the performance of O-Rings in environments where chemicals may degrade natural rubber.
Once an O-Ring has been installed it should be inspected for signs of dirt, debris and other contaminants that can interfere with the o-ring’s ability to squeeze into its gland or groove. Once these contaminates are removed the O-Ring should be re-lubricated with nontoxic, heat proof plumber’s grease to restore its sealing properties.
Once the O-Ring has been re-lubricated it should be carefully replaced and screwed down into the faucet base. Be careful not to use too much pressure as this could cause the O-Ring to stretch or tear, resulting in a leaky faucet. Once the O-Ring is in place, the neck should be screwed back down onto the faucet base and turned on to check for any leaks.
Replace the Seat
One of the most common reasons for a faucet to start leaking is because the valve seat has become pitted or worn out. This is usually caused by hard water sediments that can corrode the seat over time, or by the constant friction of washers against the seat. Replacing the valve seat is a fairly involved job, and not something that’s good for beginners to take on. You’ll need to turn off the water supply underneath your sink before you can remove the handle and access the valve seat, and you may need to use a special tool to loosen it. Once you have a new seat in place, you can reassemble the faucet and test it for leaks. It’s also a good idea to coat the new O-ring with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease before reassembling it.
Replace the Handle
If the faucet is leaking at the handle, there’s a simple fix. First, turn off the water supply valves under the sink by turning them clockwise. This will prevent any unwelcome water flow while you’re working on the faucet.
Next, remove the decorative cap on the back of the faucet handle with a flat-head screwdriver or fingernail. Then, find the screw holding the handle in place. It may be hidden under the cap or under a decorative cover on the bottom of the handle.
Remove the screw and then lift the handle. Be prepared for a little water to drip out from the faucet while you’re doing this. If the handle is stuck, try using more penetrating oil or gently tapping it with a rubber mallet.