Are you dealing with a dripping faucet, low water pressure, or clogged pipe? You’re probably tempted to call a professional plumber, and with good reason. Homeowners usually don’t have the necessary skills for a DIY plumbing job. They can even make matters worse in the end, triggering thousands of dollars in property and personal damage. Below are plumbing tips that every homeowner should know. Maybe one of these tips will save you from making a costly plumbing mistake.
South Shore Plumbing Tips
South Shore Plumbing Tip of the Week
DON'T Over-Tighten Your Faucet!
We've all been there: that annoying drip, drip, drip from a faucet. The urge to tighten the handle with all your might is strong, but hold on there! Over-tightening a faucet can be just as bad as leaving it loose.
​
Here's why over-tightening is a recipe for disaster:
-
💦 Cracked Valves: Those delicate parts inside the faucet handle can't handle excessive force. Over-tightening can cause them to crack, leading to a bigger leak (and a bigger headache).
-
💦 Worn Washers: The washer creates a seal to stop the water flow. Over-tightening can damage the washer, causing it to wear out faster and leak.
-
💦 Stripped Threads: The threads on the faucet stem can become stripped if you crank down too hard. This can render the entire handle useless.
So, how do you tighten a faucet the right way?
Here's the golden rule: Tighten the handle just enough to stop the drip, without using excessive force.
Think Goldilocks, not Gorilla!
