Plumbing trick that few know

In everyday household life, it’s common to encounter minor issues that can cause significant inconvenience. One of the most frequent is a faucet that drips, loses pressure, or simply stops working properly. This type of problem is not only annoying due to the constant dripping sound or water loss, but it can also lead to considerable expenses if not addressed promptly.

Many people go straight to a plumber or buy a new faucet without realizing that there are actually very effective homemade alternatives. Sometimes, all it takes is a little ingenuity and something as simple as a syringe.

Yes, you read that right: a syringe can be the perfect solution for fixing a leaky faucet. This little-known but very useful plumbing trick allows you to replace the faucet’s inner washer or rubber seal using the rubber plunger of a syringe.

Below, we show you how to do it step by step.

How to fix a loose faucet using a syringe rubber

This homemade method uses a readily available item: the rubber part of a syringe. This piece, which is usually found on the plunger or inner valve of the syringe, can be perfectly adapted as a seal or gasket inside the faucet, solving problems of leaks or wear.

What do you need?

• 1 plastic syringe (preferably 5 ml or larger)
• Scissors or utility knife
• Screwdriver (if it is necessary to remove the tap cover)
• A little patience

Step by step

1. Remove the syringe plunger: Completely pull out the movable part of the syringe, which is the part that contains the rubber at its end.
2. Cut the rubber: Carefully cut the black rubber part off the plunger. This piece will serve as a replacement for the worn faucet washer.
3. Disassemble the faucet: Using a screwdriver, remove the faucet cover to access the internal mechanism.
4. Replace the old rubber seal: Remove the worn washer from the faucet and replace it with the rubber seal from the syringe. Make sure it fits snugly.
5. Reassemble the faucet: Once the new rubber seal is in place, close everything again and tighten securely.

Why does this trick work?

The rubber part of a syringe is designed to withstand pressure and fit snugly against interior surfaces, making it a perfect replacement for faucet washers. Furthermore, its texture and flexibility ensure a good seal, preventing water leaks.

Additional tips

• If the rubber is too loose, you can reinforce it with Teflon tape around it.
• Make sure the size of the rubber seal is proportional to the faucet mechanism.
• This trick is ideal for emergency repairs or situations where a conventional washer is not available.

This ingenious method will not only save you money, but it will also get you out of a tight spot more than once. A small trick, but with big results!