Hot water tap leaking in basement laundry tub
#1
08-17-05, 01:05 PM
Hot water tap leaking in basement laundry tub
Hello,
In my basement laundry tub, the faucet was dripping hot water. The drip has increased to a slow (but steady) stream, and I can't stop it. Also, when I try to tighten the tap (there is one for hot and one for cold), it goes beyond where it usually stops, and just keeps spinning. Is this something that can be fixed easily, or should I call a plumber?
The laundry room is finished, so the actual water pipes are behind drywall. If anything needs to be done there, a hole will have to be cut in the drywall (I'd prefer not to).
If anyone's had this problem before and has been able to solve it, I'd really appreciate any tips! And I apologize in advance if this question has been posted in the past; there are so many threads to search through! Guess that's a sign of an active and informative message board
Thanks in advance!
c
In my basement laundry tub, the faucet was dripping hot water. The drip has increased to a slow (but steady) stream, and I can't stop it. Also, when I try to tighten the tap (there is one for hot and one for cold), it goes beyond where it usually stops, and just keeps spinning. Is this something that can be fixed easily, or should I call a plumber?
The laundry room is finished, so the actual water pipes are behind drywall. If anything needs to be done there, a hole will have to be cut in the drywall (I'd prefer not to).
If anyone's had this problem before and has been able to solve it, I'd really appreciate any tips! And I apologize in advance if this question has been posted in the past; there are so many threads to search through! Guess that's a sign of an active and informative message board
Thanks in advance!
c
Last edited by celep; 08-17-05 at 01:09 PM. Reason: spelling error
#2
08-17-05, 06:18 PM
Member
celep, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
The problem is the washer on the bottom of the stem. There should be a cover on top of the handle that can be popped off with a screwdriver or knife. Once removed you should see a screwhead. Remove the screw and the handle. This may be difficult if the faucet has been there a while.You will have to wiggle and perhaps even pry to get the handle off. (calcium deposits almost always are present.) Once the handle is off, remove any chrome cover that was under the handle. You should see a nut on the bottom side of the stem. Loosen it until it is off the threads. Slide the handle back on and turn it and the stem should come out. The bad washer is on the bottom of the stem and is held on with a screw. Take the washer or the whole assembly with you to buy a new washer. I don't recommend buying a multi-pack of washers that you'll probably never use. But 2 of what you need (other is for the cold side that will probaly go out soon). Replace the washer, reverse the process and re-install. Good luck.e
The problem is the washer on the bottom of the stem. There should be a cover on top of the handle that can be popped off with a screwdriver or knife. Once removed you should see a screwhead. Remove the screw and the handle. This may be difficult if the faucet has been there a while.You will have to wiggle and perhaps even pry to get the handle off. (calcium deposits almost always are present.) Once the handle is off, remove any chrome cover that was under the handle. You should see a nut on the bottom side of the stem. Loosen it until it is off the threads. Slide the handle back on and turn it and the stem should come out. The bad washer is on the bottom of the stem and is held on with a screw. Take the washer or the whole assembly with you to buy a new washer. I don't recommend buying a multi-pack of washers that you'll probably never use. But 2 of what you need (other is for the cold side that will probaly go out soon). Replace the washer, reverse the process and re-install. Good luck.e
#3
08-17-05, 08:18 PM
Thanks majakdragon, much appreciated! Will I have to shut the water off first? I don't think there's a way to cut off the hot water to just the laundry tub (the other sinks in my house have a valve underneath that allows the water at that location to be cut off). Would I have to temporarily turn off the hot water at the water heater (this would affect the whole house).
Thanks again, and sorry for the stupid questions - I don't know much of anything about plumbing, but am eager to learn (just not to totally destroy my house in the process!
)
Thanks again, and sorry for the stupid questions - I don't know much of anything about plumbing, but am eager to learn (just not to totally destroy my house in the process!
)
#4
08-18-05, 06:31 AM
Member
The water will have to be shut off. Too bad you don't have access to the pipes, you could install a shut-off while you had the water off.
No questions are stupid. We are here to help the members that do not know how to do certain things. Good luck.
No questions are stupid. We are here to help the members that do not know how to do certain things. Good luck.
