How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can be quite irritating and can also lead to higher water bills and possible damage to your sink or countertop. While fixing a leaky faucet might seem overwhelming, it’s a manageable task with the right tools and knowledge. This detailed guide will walk you through the process to help you fix your leaky faucet effectively.

Understanding Faucet Leaks

Before starting any repairs, it’s important to understand why faucets leak. Leaks typically happen because of worn-out parts like washers, O-rings, cartridges, or ceramic discs. Each type of faucet has different mechanisms and common problems that can cause leaks. Knowing what type of faucet you have and understanding the problem will help you choose the right repair method.

Types of Faucets

Compression Faucets: These are the most traditional type of faucets, usually having two handles—one for hot water and one for cold. They use a pair of washers to create a seal. Over time, these washers can wear out and cause leaks.

Ball Faucets: Ball faucets have a single handle that controls both temperature and water flow. They use a ball-and-socket mechanism inside the faucet. Leaks in these faucets are often due to worn-out parts such as the ball, cam, or cartridge.

Cartridge Faucets: Cartridge faucets can be single or double-handled. They use a cartridge to control water flow. Common issues with cartridge faucets include worn-out cartridges or O-rings, which can lead to leaks.

Ceramic Disc Faucets: These faucets use a ceramic disc to control water flow and temperature. Leaks in ceramic disc faucets are usually caused by worn-out seals or the ceramic disc itself.

Tools and Materials Needed

To fix a leaky faucet, you will need several tools and materials. Gather an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips), replacement parts such as washers, cartridges, O-rings, or seals, plumber’s tape, a bucket or bowl to catch water, pliers, and a cleaning cloth. Optional items include lubricant to make reassembly easier and a sink plug to prevent small parts from falling down the drain.

Step-by-Step Repair Process

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

The first step in fixing a leaky faucet is to turn off the water supply. This prevents flooding and allows you to work without water constantly flowing. Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to close them. If these valves don’t work or are not accessible, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home. Once the water supply is turned off, open the faucet to drain any remaining water and ensure no more water is coming out.

2. Plug the Drain

To avoid losing small parts during the repair, use a sink plug or a rag to block the drain. This will catch any small components that might fall and prevent them from going down the drain, which could make your repair more difficult.

3. Disassemble the Faucet

The next step is to disassemble the faucet. How you do this will depend on the type of faucet you have.

Compression Faucets

1. Remove the Handle: Start by removing the handle. Look for the screw that holds the handle in place, which is often hidden under a decorative cap. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw and then pull off the handle.
2. Take Out the Packing Nut: With the handle removed, use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut. This nut is usually located just below the handle.
3. Remove the Stem: Pull out the stem from the faucet body. It might require some force if it’s stuck.
4. Replace the Washer: Once the stem is removed, you’ll see the washer. Unscrew the screw that holds the washer in place, remove the old washer, and replace it with a new one of the same size.
5. Reassemble the Faucet: Put the stem back into the faucet body, tighten the packing nut with the wrench, and reattach the handle by securing it with the screw.

Ball Faucets

1. Remove the Handle: To start, unscrew the handle cap and remove the handle screw. Pull off the handle.
2. Remove the Cap and Collar: Use a special tool to unscrew and remove the cap and collar. This tool is often needed as the cap and collar can be hard to remove with regular tools.
3. Replace the Cam and Ball Assembly: Take out the cam and ball assembly from the faucet. Replace any worn-out parts, including the ball, cam, and springs. Install the new parts, making sure they are properly aligned.
4. Reassemble the Faucet: Once the new parts are in place, reattach the cap and collar. Put the handle back on and secure it with the screw.

Cartridge Faucets

1. Remove the Handle: Begin by removing the handle screw and pulling off the handle.
2. Remove the Cartridge: Gently pull out the cartridge from the faucet body. If it’s hard to remove, you might need to use pliers to help loosen it.
3. Replace the Cartridge: Install a new cartridge, making sure it fits correctly into the faucet body.
4. Reassemble the Faucet: Put the handle back on and tighten the screw to secure it.

Ceramic Disc Faucets

1. Remove the Handle: Unscrew the handle screw and remove the handle.
2. Remove the Escutcheon Plate (if needed): If your faucet has an escutcheon plate, unscrew and remove it to access the cartridge.
3. Replace the Cartridge: Remove the ceramic disc cartridge and replace it with a new one. Make sure the new cartridge matches your faucet model.
4. Reassemble the Faucet: Reattach the escutcheon plate (if you removed it) and the handle, securing everything with screws.

4. Check for Leaks

After reassembling the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet for leaks. Let the water run for a few minutes to make sure the repair was successful and there are no remaining issues. Check all connections and ensure the faucet works smoothly without any drips or leaks.

5. Make Adjustments If Necessary

If the faucet is still leaking or if there are any problems with its operation, you might need to disassemble it again to make adjustments. Double-check that all components are installed and tightened correctly. Sometimes, reassembling the faucet properly can fix lingering issues.

Preventative Maintenance

To avoid future leaks and ensure the longevity of your faucet, consider some preventative maintenance practices. Regularly clean the faucet to remove mineral deposits and grime that can affect its performance. Periodically inspect the faucet components for signs of wear and replace any parts that are starting to degrade. Applying plumber’s tape to threaded connections can also help create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.

Conclusion

Fixing a leaky faucet is a straightforward DIY project that can save you money and help you avoid wasting water. By following this step-by-step guide, you can effectively address the issue and restore your faucet to proper working condition. Remember to turn off the water supply before starting any repairs, and consult a professional plumber if you encounter difficulties beyond basic repairs. With patience and the right tools, you can keep your faucet in excellent shape for years to come.