How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Conquer That Drippy Faucet! A DIY Guide

That dripping faucet is annoying, right? It wastes water and jacks up your water bill. But guess what? Fixing it yourself is totally doable! You'll save money and feel pretty awesome. This guide walks you through it step-by-step.

Know Your Faucet

First, you need to figure out what kind of faucet you have. There are a few common types:

• Compression Faucets: Think old-school. Separate hot and cold handles. Usually, a worn washer is the problem.
• Ball Faucets: One handle for both temp and flow. Leaks often come from the ball itself or its seals.
• Cartridge Faucets: Also one handle, but a cartridge controls everything. A new cartridge often fixes leaks.
• Ceramic Disc Faucets: Modern, sleek. Leaks are rare, but a bad disc can cause them.

Knowing your faucet type is key!

Gather Your Tools

Get everything ready before you start. Makes things way easier.

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead): To remove handles and stuff.
• Adjustable Wrench: For tightening nuts.
• Pliers (Needle-nose and Channel-lock): For small parts and tight spots.
• Basin Wrench: A lifesaver for those hard-to-reach nuts under the sink.
• Putty Knife: To scrape off old putty.
• Flashlight: Under the sink can be dark!
• Replacement Parts: Washers, O-rings, cartridges... depends on your faucet. Bring the old parts to the hardware store for a perfect match.
• Penetrating Oil (Optional): Helps loosen stuck parts.
• Bucket: To catch drips.
• Rags: For cleanup.

Let's Fix That Leak!

These are general steps. Check your faucet's instructions too. And always turn off the water first!

1. Shut Off the Water

Find the shut-off valves under the sink (hot and cold). Turn them clockwise to stop the water.

2. Turn On the Faucet

Open the faucet to release any pressure. Prevents a sudden gush of water when you start working.

3. Remove the Handles

Usually, there are screws under little caps. Unscrew them and take off the handles.

4. Get to the Guts

This depends on your faucet type. Your owner's manual or an online video will help. You'll probably remove some nuts and take out the worn parts.

5. Inspect and Replace

Look closely at the O-rings, washers, etc. Replace anything worn or broken. Take the old parts to the store for easy matching.

6. Put It Back Together

Reassemble everything, following the reverse order. Tighten securely, but don't over-tighten!

7. Turn the Water Back On

Slowly turn the valves counter-clockwise.

8. Check for Leaks

Look carefully for any drips. If there are leaks, you might need to tighten things or replace a part.

Troubleshooting

Even DIY pros run into problems sometimes.

• Still Dripping? Make sure everything is tight. You might need a new part.
• Low Water Pressure? The aerator (at the spout end) might be clogged. Clean it.
• Handle Leaks? Check the O-rings and packing nuts.
• Spout Leaks? Check the O-rings and seals around the spout.

Why DIY?

Saving money is a big one! But you also learn a valuable skill. It's empowering to fix things yourself. Plus, it feels great!

Safety First!

Always prioritize safety. If you're unsure about anything, call a plumber. Water and plumbing aren't to be trifled with.

Beyond the Faucet

Once you've mastered the faucet, try these:

• Replacing a toilet flapper: Pretty easy.
• Clearing a clogged drain: A plunger or drain snake often works wonders.
• Replacing a showerhead: A simple upgrade that can make a big difference.

You Got This!

Fixing a leaky faucet is a win-win. You save money and gain a new skill. Give it a try!