To fix a leaky faucet, turn off the water supply, remove the handle, inspect the interior components for damage, replace any damaged parts, reassemble the faucet, and test it to ensure the leak has been fixed. This simple process can save you money and prevent further damage to your home and can be done without the need for a plumber.
Are you tired of listening to the constant drip-drip of a leaky faucet? Not only is it annoying, but it can also lead to a significant amount of water wastage and even damage to your home. However, the good news is that you don’t need to call a plumber to fix it. With a few simple steps, you can fix a leaky faucet yourself and save money in the process.
In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to fix various types of faucets, from compression to ceramic disk and ball-type faucets. So, let’s get started and put an end to that annoying drip once and for all!
What Causes a Faucet to Drip?
A dripping faucet can be a nuisance and a waste of water. There are several reasons why faucets drip, and understanding these causes can help you prevent this problem from occurring. One common cause of dripping faucets is worn-out washers.
Washers are rubber seals that create a tight seal between the faucet and the sink. Over time, these washers can become worn or damaged, causing leaks. Another reason for faucet leaks is high water pressure.
When the water pressure is too high, it can cause stress on the faucet and lead to leaks. Corrosion and buildup of minerals can also cause faucet leaks. Whatever the cause, it’s important to address dripping faucets promptly to prevent water waste and costly repairs.
Reasons Why Your Faucet Leaks
If you have a leaking faucet, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible to prevent water wastage and higher utility bills. There are a number of reasons why your faucet might be leaking. Below are some of the most common causes of faucet leaks:
Worn Out Washer
One of the most common reasons for a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. A washer is a small rubber ring that sits at the bottom of the faucet and helps to create a tight seal. Over time, the washer can break down, allowing water to leak out.
Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat is part of the faucet that connects the spout and the faucet handle. If the valve seat becomes corroded, it can prevent the seal from being formed, resulting in a leaky faucet.
Loose O-Ring
The O-ring is another small rubber ring that can wear out over time. This is a common problem in cartridge faucets. If the O-ring is loose or damaged, water can leak out around the handle.
Improper Washer Installation
If you have recently installed a new washer, it’s possible that it wasn’t installed properly. If the washer is not in the right position, water can leak out around the handle.
Worn Out Cartridge
If you have a cartridge faucet, the cartridge can also wear out over time, making the faucet leak. A cartridge faucet has a hollow metal or plastic cartridge that moves up and down to control the flow of water. If this part is worn out, water can leak out around the base of the faucet.
Broken Plumbing
In rare cases, a leaking faucet can be caused by broken plumbing. If this is the case, it’s important to contact a plumbing professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
Faucet Cartridge
How To Fix a Leaky Cartridge Faucet
Step 1. Turn off the water supply to your faucet by turning the valves under the sink clockwise.
Step 2. Remove the handle of the faucet and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew and remove the decorative cap, if applicable.
Step 3. With needle nose pliers, gently pull out the cartridge from the faucet housing.
Step 4. Inspect the cartridge for cracks, breaks, or corrosion and replace it as needed.
Step 5. Clean the inside of the faucet housing with a damp cloth before inserting a new cartridge.
Step 6. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Make sure all components are securely tightened.
Step 7. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to ensure that there are no leaks.
Compression Faucet
How To Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet:
Step 1. Turn off the water supply to your faucet by turning the valves under the sink clockwise.
Step 2. Remove the handle of the faucet and use a wrench to unscrew and remove the nut that holds it in place.
Step 3. Gently pull out the stem from the faucet housing and inspect it for cracks, breaks, or corrosion.
Step 4. If the stem is damaged, replace it with a new one of the same size and style.
Step 5. Unscrew the packing nut from the bottom of the faucet stem and remove the old packing material from around the threads of the stem.
Step 6. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease to the stem threads and install the new packing material.
Step 7. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order, making sure all components are securely tightened.
Step 8. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to ensure that there are no leaks.
Ceramic-disk Faucet
How To Fix a Leaky Ceramic Disk Faucet
Step 1. Turn off the water supply to your faucet by turning the valves under the sink clockwise.
Step 2. Remove the handle of the faucet and unscrew and remove the screws that hold it in place.
Step 3. Pull out the stem from the faucet housing and inspect it for cracks, breaks, or corrosion.
Step 4. Lift the disk assembly from the faucet body and inspect it for any damage.
Step 5. If the disk is damaged, replace it with a new one of the same size and style.
Step 6. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order, making sure all components are securely tightened.
Step 7. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to ensure that there are no leaks.
Step 8. If necessary, adjust the flow rate of the faucet to get it just right.
Ball-type Faucet
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Ball-Type
Step 1. Turn off the water supply to your faucet by turning the valves under the sink clockwise.
Step 2. Remove the handle of the faucet and unscrew and remove the screws that hold it in place.
Step 3. Lift out the ball, cam assembly, and valve stem from the faucet housing and inspect them for damage.
Step 4. If the cam, valve stem, or O-ring is damaged or worn out, replace them with new ones of the same size and style.
Step 5. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order, making sure all components are securely tightened.
Step 6. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to ensure that there are no leaks.
Step 7. If necessary, adjust the flow rate of the faucet to get it just right.
In Conclusion
Fixing a leaky faucet may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a relatively easy task that you can handle yourself. By following the steps we’ve outlined for various types of faucets, you can put an end to that annoying drip and save money on your water bill in the process.
Remember to turn off the water supply and take your time when working with the different faucet components. With some practice, you’ll be a pro at fixing leaky faucets in no time.
