How to Tighten a Faucet Without a Wrench: A Step-by-Step Guide

If the faucet at home has a problem and we need to disassemble it, but we don't have a wrench on hand, we can't just unscrew the faucet by hand. Here are some handy tips for you.

1. How to Unscrew a Faucet Without a Wrench

If you don't have a wrench, you can look for other tools to replace it. For instance, you can use a pair of pliers to grip the faucet and, with some force, you can easily unscrew the water pipe.

First, remember to turn off the main valve before unscrewing. It's also a good idea to wear gloves to reduce friction. When unscrewing, don’t use too much force; first tighten the water pipe slightly by turning it clockwise, then loosen it by turning it counterclockwise.

2. What to Do If the Water Pipe Is Rusty and Won't Unscrew

Some water pipes may have been in use for a long time and have developed rust. In this case, it might be difficult to unscrew them even with tools, and using brute force is not advisable. Start by dripping a few drops of machine oil at the joints of the water pipe to lubricate it, or use a professional rust remover. After waiting a while for the chemical reaction to take place and the rust to be removed, it will be much easier to unscrew.

If it still won't budge, check if there is something stuck inside the faucet. Use a specialized wire extractor to insert into the faucet. Then grip it with tools and turn it a few times to pull it out. This method is very convenient and will not damage the internal components.

3. What to Do If the Faucet Is Loose and Dripping

If a faucet is dripping, it might be due to a damaged washer inside it. You can unscrew the faucet and check if the washer has worn out. After that, purchase a new washer and replace it. You might need a screwdriver to remove the screws on top before disassembling.

Once you remove the faucet handle, the internal valve core will be exposed. Use pliers to unscrew the valve core, and you will see the internal structure, which includes a sealing ring and a washer to replace. Then, follow the reverse steps to reassemble the faucet and check if it's still dripping.

The above content provides several methods for unscrewing a faucet when you don't have a wrench at hand. However, we also need to check if the faucet has rust issues. Removing the rust before unscrewing will make the task much easier.