A faucet is where you can get water in your home. Since water comes out of it, it typically covers many things we do at home in a day, such as washing the dishes and washing our face. If your faucet is too tight and can’t rotate, it can interfere with your daily routine.
So, how exactly do you loosen tight faucets? We’re here to tell you what you need to know. Read on below to learn more.
The First Few Signs of a Tight Faucet
The primary method of maintaining your faucet’s loose movement is lubrication. Many homeowners take this for granted until they experience a time when it won’t move.
If you notice that your faucet is tightening, or if you’ve been struggling with it for quite some time, it should be dealt with immediately, or else it will cause you more problems in the long run. You can always get a plumber to fix your faucet, but the good news is that you can do it yourself.
The primary fix for most tight faucets is a simple cleaning or replacement of a component. This component is typically the cartridge. Depending on your faucet’s brand, the method of how you’ll open it up differs because some faucets will require a cartridge pulling tool.
Disassembling Stuck Faucet Handle
To determine the problem with a stuck faucet, you’ll have to disassemble it first. You can evaluate the situation by looking inside the faucet.
First, you have to shut off your faucet’s water supply. The shut-off valve is typically found beneath your sink or on the wall. Once you see the shut-off valve, rotate it clockwise to shut it off. If there’s no dedicated valve, turn off your main water supply altogether.
Once that’s done, you can check for a screw somewhere on your faucet. You can find this screw in any of the following places:
- At the bottom of the faucet area that’s facing you
- At the side of the faucet
- Covered by a cap at the center
Once you see the screw, unscrew it and remove the handle. You will then see a nut that keeps the valve in place. Remove the bolt, and you can now proceed with the next step.
Detaching and Cleaning the Cartridge
Using a pair of pliers, grip the cartridge and pull it up. If it doesn’t move, check your faucet’s brand name because it will only move with a cartridge pulling tool from the same brand.
If you successfully remove the cartridge, check if there’s any corrosion—corrosion is the primary cause of tightening and stuck faucets.
If corrosion is present, scrub the affected area with a stainless steel wire brush until it smoothens. Afterward, get a clean rag and apply vinegar to it. Wipe this rag on the affected area so that the rust will come off easier. You can also scrub other parts of the faucet to prevent the problem from happening again.
If the cartridge isn’t severely damaged, you can still reuse it. Otherwise, get a replacement. To get a matching cartridge, you can bring it with you to the hardware store for an exact match.
Once everything is done, it’s time to reattach everything. Insert the cartridge and the nut, then tighten it. Reattach the faucet’s handle and tighten the screw that holds it in place. Afterward, turn on your water supply and check if the faucet is operational again.
Conclusion
A tight or stuck faucet is a huge annoyance, which is why it should be fixed as soon as possible. The information detailed above can help if you’re having trouble with your faucet, so be sure to follow them!
You might be able to fix your faucet, but there are times when work can be too much, especially if you have a busy schedule. The best solution for your problem is to call a plumber. If you’re looking for plumbers in Lakeport, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has got your back! We offer fast and reliable service, so you can be sure that your problems will go away if we’re on the job. Contact us today to learn more!
