Whether you have a new or old sink faucet, there are some simple ways to maintain and repair the faucet. Ensure that the spout is not too high, and dislodge debris and mineral deposits inside the faucet. If the faucet is leaky, locate the shut-off valve and repair it.
Ensure the spout reach isn't too high
Ensure the spout isn't too high isn't a hard concept to master. There are some simple steps you can follow to ensure your new sink faucet is up to snuff.
First, you'll want to measure your sink. It's best to measure from the top of the sink to the bottom. This ensures the faucet will reach the sink's deepest part. If you have a backsplash, you'll also want to measure that as well.
The best faucet is one that extends well into your sink. It's not uncommon for a faucet to reach five and a half inches into the sink, but you'll want to ensure that yours is a little longer.
A faucet with a good spout extends at least six inches from the bottom of the sink. You'll also want to ensure that your faucet has a tip that is a little higher than the sink's level. This will prevent splashing.
Having a hard water deposit on your sink faucet can leave unsightly and unpleasant stains. These deposits can affect the performance of your faucet, and even cause water leaks. To prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to dislodge debris and mineral deposits inside your faucet.
Hard water deposits can be cleaned with a few simple steps. To start, shut off the water supply. You may also need to loosen the shut off handle.
A rag soaked in vinegar is a good tool for this task. You can also use an old toothbrush to scrub hard to reach areas. The vinegar will help loosen the buildup.
Mineral deposits can also be removed with bottled lemon juice. Lemons are known to dissolve calcium deposits. You can also use milk. This will take longer to do the job, however.
Find the brand of your faucet
Identifying the brand of your sink faucet is one of the most important things you can do before you start repairing it. You can save yourself some time and money by knowing what type of faucet you have.
The easiest way to identify a brand is to see the logo. You may find this logo in various locations, such as on the escutcheon or on the spout.
The model number is also a good way to identify a faucet. A model number is usually printed on the faucet's packaging or in the installation guide. It may be a good idea to check the faucet's escutcheon first to see if the model number is visible.
A number of companies manufacture faucet replacement parts. You can find these replacement parts online. You can also take the old stem with you to make sure that the replacement parts are compatible with your faucet.
Having knowledge of where the water shut-off valve is located can make your life much easier, especially in the case of a plumbing emergency. When you find one, you can shut off the water immediately and mitigate any potential damage.
