The constant drip from the shower faucet has the ability to raise the hackles with unfailing regularity.

So, instead of burying your head in the sand in true ostrich fashion, let’s work towards stopping a leaky shower faucet. And that too without falling prey to the guiles of abstruse thinking plumbing professionals.

Time, Tools And Tenacity

A few simple tools, 30 minutes of your time and a hard-torpedo attitude and the specters of the leaky faucet will be lifted forever. You may feel that conventional generalizations may not hold much water, but in most cases, the villain of the piece is a washer that’s on its last legs, desperately trying to keep afloat.

Here’s what you can do to save yourself the horrendous costs of hiring a professional:

• Shut off the water supply to the bathroom. Unscrew the valve cover using the flat edge of a screwdriver. Be careful not to bend or cause any kind of serious damage to the cover.
• Now turn your attention to the screw that keeps the diverter attached to the wall. Use a shower stem socket to do the needful if there’s no screw in sight.
• Now that the diverter is off, separate the stem from the diverter. Check the condition of the threads on the stem. A run down state calls for a replacement, without any delay.
• With the stem out of the way, it’s time to check the washer. A potent combination of white vinegar, water and a toothbrush will sound the death knell for the ominous mineral deposits on the assembly.
• Check the washer’s condition. In most cases, a replacement may be required. Insert the new part, coated with a little Vaseline to ensure that it is seated correctly. Tighten the screw that holds the washer.
• Place the valve stem back in the assembly and fasten it into the wall. Replace the valve cover, and use a modicum of plumber’s putty around the edges to make an impermeable seal.

Now, without any further delay, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Thankfully, the leak is now a thing of the past, and uninterrupted sleep at night is what the future has in store for you.

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