How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Fixing That Drippy Faucet: A DIY Guide

That annoying drip, drip, drip? It's not just irritating; it wastes water and costs you money! Before you call a pricey plumber, let's try fixing it ourselves. This guide makes it easy.

Find the Leak!

First, where's the water coming from? Is it a constant drip, or only when you turn the faucet on? Knowing your faucet type (compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disc) helps. Common problems? Worn-out O-rings, bad washers, or a broken valve.

• Constant drip: Probably the valve seat or O-rings.
• Drips when on: The washer or cartridge might be the issue.
• Leak at the bottom: Loose connections or a problem with the faucet itself.

Gather Your Tools

Get everything ready beforehand – it'll make the job much easier. You'll need:

• Adjustable wrench: For tightening and loosening nuts.
• Basin wrench: To reach those hard-to-get-to nuts under the sink.
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead): To remove handles.
• Pliers (needle-nose and channel-lock): For holding small parts.
• Putty knife: To remove old sealant.
• Replacement parts: Take your old parts to a hardware store for a perfect match. O-rings, washers, cartridges… you'll need the right ones.
• Plumber's tape (Teflon tape): To seal threads and prevent leaks.
• Bucket: To catch any spills.
• Flashlight: It gets dark under there!
• Gloves: Protect your hands.

Let's Fix That Faucet! (Step-by-Step)

This is a general guide. Your faucet might be slightly different. Check your faucet's manual if you have one.

1. Turn Off the Water!

Important! Turn off the water supply before you start. Find the shut-off valves under the sink (usually two – hot and cold). Turn them clockwise to stop the flow.

2. Turn On the Faucet

Open the faucet to release any pressure. This prevents a surprise water shower!

3. Remove the Handles

Carefully remove the handles. Usually, there are small screws under caps. Some handles just pull off. Be gentle! Take pictures as you go – it helps with putting it back together.

4. Remove the Inner Parts

This depends on your faucet type. Compression faucets have lots of little parts. Cartridge faucets have one main cartridge. Look up diagrams online if you need help. Take more pictures!

5. Inspect and Replace

Look for cracks or damage in the O-rings and washers. These are often the problem. Replace any worn parts.

6. Clean Everything

Clean the faucet body with a brush and water. Get rid of any dirt or mineral deposits.

7. Put It Back Together

Carefully reassemble everything. Make sure everything is snug, but don't overtighten. Use plumber's tape on threads.

8. Turn the Water Back On

Slowly turn the water back on. Check for leaks!

9. Test It Out

Run the faucet and check for any more leaks. If it still leaks, go back and check your work.

Troubleshooting

Even if you're careful, things can go wrong. Here are some solutions:

• Still leaking after replacing parts? The valve seat might be the problem. That's a tougher fix.
• Slow drip? Something might be misaligned. Check everything again.
• Handles hard to turn? Tighten the packing nut (on compression faucets).
• Low water pressure? Clean or replace the aerator at the end of the faucet.

Different Faucet Types

Repairing different faucet types is a little different:

Compression Faucets

These use rubber washers. Replace worn washers and O-rings.

Cartridge Faucets

One cartridge controls hot and cold. Replace the cartridge if it's leaky.

Ball Faucets

These use a ball valve. Replace O-rings and seals.

Ceramic Disc Faucets

These use ceramic discs. Replacing these often needs a plumber.

When to Call a Pro

Sometimes, it's best to call a plumber:

• If you're not comfortable with plumbing.
• If you've tried and failed.
• If you have a complicated faucet.
• If there's a major leak or water damage.

Fixing a leaky faucet is satisfying! You save money and learn a new skill. But remember, safety first! If you're unsure, call a plumber.