How to Repair a Leaky Faucet for Beginners

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: It's Easier Than You Think!

A dripping faucet is annoying, right? Plus, it wastes water and jacks up your water bill. But guess what? Fixing it yourself is totally doable! Even if you've never touched a wrench before, this guide will walk you through it.

Why DIY?

Calling a plumber is expensive. Really expensive, especially for something small like a leaky faucet. Learning to fix it yourself saves you money. It’s also super satisfying! Plus, you'll know more about your plumbing. That's a win-win.

Gather Your Tools: Think Handyman Starter Kit

Get everything ready before you start. Makes the whole thing way easier.

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead): You'll almost certainly need these.
• Adjustable wrench: For tightening and loosening things.
• Basin wrench: This helps reach those hard-to-get-to spots under the sink.
• Pliers (needle-nose and channel-lock): For grabbing small parts.
• Putty knife or scraper: To clean up old gunk.
• Penetrating oil (like WD-40): Helps loosen stuck parts. Think rusty bolt lubricant.
• Replacement parts (O-rings, washers, cartridges): These usually cause leaks. Check your faucet model for the right ones.
• Plumber's putty or Teflon tape: To seal everything up tight.
• Container: To catch the drips.
• Towels: For cleanup.
• Flashlight: Under the sink can be dark.

Safety First! (Seriously!)

Turn off the water! Find the shut-off valves under the sink (one for hot, one for cold). Turn them clockwise. Then, turn on the faucet. No water? Great! You're ready.

What Kind of Faucet Do You Have?

There are different types of faucets. Knowing yours makes the repair easier.

• Compression faucets: Older style with separate hot and cold handles. Usually need new O-rings and washers.
• Cartridge faucets: One handle controls both. Likely need a new cartridge.
• Ball faucets: Uses a ball to control water flow. Replacing the ball is often the fix.
• Ceramic disc faucets: Usually very reliable and don't leak much.

Figure out your faucet type before you start.

Fixing a Compression Faucet: A Step-by-Step Example

Compression faucets are common. Other faucet types are similar.

1. Turn off the water: Did I mention this already? It's that important.
2. Remove the handles: Unscrew them and take them off.
3. Remove the packing nuts and stems: Use the wrench to carefully remove these.
4. Inspect the O-rings and washers: Replace any that look bad.
5. Clean the seats: Wipe away any gunk.
6. Reassemble: Put everything back together.
7. Turn on the water: Slowly!
8. Test it: Run the hot and cold water.

Troubleshooting: Uh Oh!

Still leaking? It might be a bigger problem – maybe a bad cartridge or something. Check your faucet's manual or call a plumber.

Tips for Success

• Take photos: Before you start taking things apart, take pictures! This helps you put it all back together.
• Good lighting: You need to see what you're doing.
• Don't overtighten: You can break things.
• Use the right tools: The right tools make the job easier.
• Be patient: Take your time.

Other Faucet Types

The basics are the same for all faucets: turn off the water, identify the parts, and carefully put it back together. Online guides specific to your faucet model can help.

When to Call a Pro

Some things are better left to the experts.

• Big leaks: If it's a major leak, call a plumber.
• You're stumped: If you don't know what to do, ask for help.
• Bigger plumbing problems: A persistent leak might mean something else is wrong.

Fixing a leaky faucet is a great DIY project. You'll save money and feel good about yourself. But remember, safety first! And if you're not sure about something, call a plumber.