Repairing the faucet sometimes becomes tricky when you cannot figure out how to remove old rusty screws. Also, with time faucet parts tends to wear out. Damage to faucets threads, wear-out washers, rusted surface, and blocked aerator are a few common issues you will see over time.
No matter if you are a self-sufficient homeowner and prefer to do plumbing tasks yourself. All these problems are easy to solve. The right tools can save you plenty of time.
What is WD-40 spray?
Along with specific tools, WD-40 spray is known for its effectiveness during repairing tasks. These sprays are formulated with chemicals that help cut grease, lubricates, and loosen up the rust from the surface.
This spray comes in distinct size containers and with various spray types. For instance, EZ-Reach WD-40 sprays come with a long flexible nozzle. It helps in reaching hard-to-reach areas. You can use it in the faucet nozzle to loosen up the hard water deposit. You can guide this nozzle and shape it however you want.
WD-40 Smart straw comes with a straw that can work two ways. You can either create a stream or spray as per your need.
For vast areas, you can use a big blast container along with a wide mouth sprayer. Its spray covers a bigger circumference. These are usually a choice of big vehicle owners who wants to keep their vehicles neat and clean. Its waterproof quality makes the surface look brand new.
For industrial areas, they offer mighty cans to meet the needs of their customers. Similarly, you will find travel size container for those who are going to use it just once.
Why Do You Need WD-40 Spray?
If you have Wd-40 multi-purpose spray in your house, your repairing work will be much easier. This spray loosens up the rust buildup on metal surfaces, which you can clean with just one even layer of this spray. It also penetrates effortlessly into stuck fixtures, making them easy to move and preventing damage during the process.
It is a multi-use product. So you can use it in different areas for different purposes. Following are some examples.
For faucets
You can make your faucet look brand new by cleaning its surface by spraying it with the solution. However, it cannot make its life longer if the spout is damaged internally. You have to replace the faucet it is needed.
For Aerators
Many homeowners have more than 5 to 10 years old fittings at their homes. During that time, these fixtures and fittings get stuck due to corrosion and hard water deposit. Therefore, while repairing the aerator, you will find that it does not move. For removing the aerator, spray the wd-40 on the area and let it set. Now, try to move it by rotating. After removal, dip it into a fifty-fifty solution of vinegar and water to clear out the mineral residue.
For Water Pipes
Old metal pipe fittings around the house are more likely to get corroded or rusted with time. The internal parts of joints can also get damaged, and you will feel the particles of damaged parts coming from the faucet nozzle. Bigger particles can block the passage too. You must insert the chemical inside the faucet through a Smart straw that comes with the container. Let it do its work and let the water run through the pipe, so the rust or deposit comes out with water. It will clear the blockage too. For the outer surface, directly wipe it out with a cloth.
How Will It Help with the Leaky Faucet?
Consistent use and hard water issue can make your faucet leak, and that leakage is not a good thing if it remains unnoticed for an extended period. There might be only one problem that causes leakage but ignoring it can bring plenty of issues like rusty finish due to constant moisture, mold n mildew, and hard water residue. If you have hard water in your area, it can clog the internals of the nozzle badly. Therefore, take some time and plan a proper repair of such faucets. For that purpose, wd-40 spray comes in handy.
Shut off the water supply. You can find the supply valve underneath the sink or turn off the main water supply to the house. Release the remaining water in the pipe by turning on the faucet and letting out the pressure. Spray on the threaded area of the faucet aerator so it can move freely. Unscrew it and dip it in the half and half solution. Remove the debris with the help of a stiff bristle brush. Now, keep it aside to clean the rest of the faucet.
To remove the faucet handle, gently pry off the decorative cap present on top of the knob. For lever handles, spray WD-40 on the setscrew underneath the lever to loosen the rust and remove the handle by unscrewing the nut. After removing the packing nut, extract the washer and O-rings from the stem and replace them as required.
On completion of the replacement task, follow the above steps backward. Screw the packing nut to attach the handle and put back the decorative cap. Reapply the clean faucet aerator and turn on the water supply. Now it is time to check whether the above procedure has stopped the leakage or not. If you have assessed the problem right, it should work correctly.
Some Other Uses of WD-40 Spray
In addition to purposes narrated previously, WD-40 spray is also beneficial for many other problems around the house. Some of them are as follows.
Paint Stains
Ever find it difficult removing the paint stains from furniture or floor in your house? Wd-40 spray will work wonders. It can also remove permanent marks from the walls.
Door Hinges Squeaks
There is nothing more annoying than the squeaky sound that the door creates when you open or shut it. Door hinge squeak is a common issue. It happens due to lack of moisture and buildup of dirt or debris. You can solve this problem with wd-40 spray because it works as an excellent lubricant. Just spray a bit of liquid on the door hinges and move the door to spread it. It will stop making sounds immediately.
Water and Rustproof
Ever worried about outdoor fittings getting rusted in the rainy season? Make sure to spray the nuts and joints with wd-40 to keep them rust-free. It also works on your shoes if you want to make them waterproof for rainy days.