The safe use of faucets should start from three aspects: daily maintenance, operation habits and emergency handling, to avoid potential safety hazards caused by problems such as water leakage, scalding and bacterial growth. The specific points are as follows:
First,Regular inspection and maintenance
Prevent water leakage: Check the faucet interface and valve core every month for water droplets or leakage. Replace the sealing ring or valve core in time if there is a slight dripping (aging of the rubber ring is a common cause). For severe leakage, close the main water valve and contact a professional for repair to avoid long-term leakage causing the wall to mold or the floor to deform.
Cleaning and anti-bacterial: Every week, wipe the surface of the faucet with a soft cloth dipped in neutral detergent to remove scale and stains (avoid scratching the coating with a steel wool ball). The aerator (water outlet filter screen) should be disassembled and cleaned once every quarter to prevent clogging by impurities or the growth of microorganisms (it can be soaked in white vinegar for 10 minutes to remove scale).
Check the connecting parts: Twist the faucet handle regularly to ensure that the switch is smooth and not loose. The connection points of the hoses (such as the faucet of the kitchen sink) need to be checked for aging and cracking. It is recommended to replace the explosion-proof hoses every 2 to 3 years to prevent sudden burst and flood.
Second, standardize operation habits
Control the water temperature to prevent scalding:
Before using the faucet connected to the water heater (such as the bathroom faucet), turn on the cold water first and then adjust the hot water. The mixed water temperature is recommended to be controlled below 40℃ (slightly warm to the touch and not too hot), to avoid children operating it alone.
In old residential areas or regions with unstable water pressure, when turning on or off the faucet, the action should be slow to prevent hot water from splashing due to sudden changes in water pressure.
Avoid excessive force: When turning on or off the faucet, do not force it with tools such as a wrench. The rotation Angle of a faucet with a ceramic valve core usually does not exceed 90°, and a faucet with a metal valve core should also be turned and released gently. Excessive force can easily cause the valve core to break or the handle to fall off.
Special treatment during water outage/freezing period:
When the water supply is cut off, turn off the faucet in time to avoid water leakage when no one is present after the water supply is restored. When the temperature drops below 0℃ in winter, wrap outdoor faucets and exposed water pipes with thermal insulation cotton. At night, you can slightly open the faucet to let the water flow slowly (keeping it in a micro-droplet state) to prevent the pipes from freezing, expanding and bursting.
Iii. Emergency Situation Handling
If the faucet cannot be turned off: If the valve core is damaged and the water flow does not stop, immediately find the main water valve at home (usually beside the water meter or in the corner of the kitchen) to turn off the water source, then use a wrench to remove the faucet handle and try to temporarily block the water outlet (such as with a rubber plug or towel), and then contact a plumber to replace the valve core.
Hose burst: When the hose connected to the kitchen or washing machine suddenly bursts, quickly close the corresponding water valve (such as the water inlet valve of the washing machine), wrap the burst area with a thick towel to slow down the water flow, and after cleaning the accumulated water, replace it with a new hose (it is recommended to choose a stainless steel braided hose, which has stronger pressure resistance and corrosion resistance).
Abnormal water quality: If you turn on the tap and find the water is turbid, has an odd smell or a different color, stop using it immediately. Let the water run for 1-2 minutes first to observe if there is any improvement. If the abnormality persists, it may be due to aging and rusting of the water pipes or secondary water supply pollution. It is necessary to contact the water company to test the water quality and consider replacing the aged indoor water pipes (such as replacing galvanized pipes with PPR pipes).
Iv. Precautions for Special Scenarios
Kitchen scene: When washing dishes, avoid directly pouring greasy wastewater into the faucet to prevent the accumulation of grease and clogging the pipes. For faucets equipped with food waste disposers, the pipes should be regularly flushed with lemon slices and warm water to remove odors and keep them unobstructed.
Bathroom scene: Do not forcibly pull the drain switch of the bathtub faucet. If the water outlet mode cannot be switched, it might be that the internal connecting rod is stuck. The faucet panel needs to be disassembled for inspection (non-professionals are advised to report for repair). Bathroom faucets for children can be equipped with anti-scald covers or choose constant-temperature models.
Through the above detailed management, not only can the service life of the faucet be prolonged, but also safety issues such as water leakage, scalding and pipe blockage can be effectively prevented, ensuring the safety of household water use.
Post time: May-16-2025
