Knowing how to fix a leaky faucet can help you handle this common problem. Gather the tools, turn off the water supply, plug the sink drain, remove the faucet handle, disassemble the faucet, inspect and replace worn parts, reassemble the faucet, and turn on the water supply.
A dripping faucet can be more than a minor annoyance—leading to higher water bills and wasted resources. Luckily, fixing it is straightforward and can be done with a few essential tools. This guide will walk you through the steps to repair a leaky faucet. Start reading!
How To Fix A Leaky Faucet?
To fix a dripping faucet, you must gather your tools, turn off the water supply, plug the sink drain, remove the faucet handle, disassemble the faucet, inspect and replace worn parts, reassemble the faucet, and turn on the water supply to test the repair. Read the details below!
1. Gather Your Tools
A faucet installation or repair task can only be performed appropriately with adequate equipment. The necessary tools to fix a leaking faucet are:
- adjustable wrench;
- screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head);
- replacement parts (O-rings, washers, or cartridges, depending on your faucet type);
- plumber's grease; and
- towels or rags.
Once you have them all gathered, you can start planning and executing your leaky sink faucet repair. If you do not have this kind of tool, hire a professional who does, and they will handle the task for you.
2. Turn Off The Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off the water supply. Then, open the faucet to drain any remaining water in the lines, making sure the water flow is actually turned off to avoid making a mess.
3. Plug The Sink Drain
Some homeowners may underestimate this step: To avoid losing essential pieces, use a plug or rag to block the sink drain to prevent small parts from falling down. It might sound unnecessary, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
4. Remove The Faucet Handle
You can now remove the faucet handle with the water supply off and the drain plugged. Look for the screw that secures the handle in place. It might be hidden under a decorative cap, which you can pry off gently. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove the screw, and then lift off the handle carefully. It will give you access to the internal components of the faucet.
5. Disassemble The Faucet
Use an adjustable wrench to remove the packing nut or retaining clip depending on your faucet model. Carefully remove the stem or cartridge. Pay close attention to how each part is assembled; it will help you reassemble the faucet correctly later.
6. Inspect And Replace Worn Parts
Inspect the O-rings, washers, and cartridges for any signs of wear or damage. These are often the culprits behind a leaky faucet. If you find any worn or damaged parts, replace them with new ones from a faucet repair kit.
It is a good idea to take the old parts to the hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacements.
7. Reassemble The Faucet
To ensure smooth operation, apply a small amount of plumber's grease to the new parts before installing them. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly, making sure each component is securely in place.
8. Turn On The Water Supply
Finally, turn the water supply back on by turning the shut-off valves counterclockwise. Open the faucet and check for leaks. If you notice any leaks, you may need to tighten the connections. The repair is complete once you have confirmed that the faucet is no longer leaking.
How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Faucet?
Fixing a leaky bathtub faucet follows similar steps to a bathroom or kitchen faucet, with a few additional considerations.
- Access the faucet, which often has a decorative cap covering the screw. Pry off the cap to access the screw and remove the handle.
- Unscrew the Escutcheon plate (the decorative plate behind the handle) to expose the valve.
- Replace the valve stem or cartridge with a matching part from a repair kit.
- Reassemble the faucet and test for leaks as you would with a standard faucet.
If your bathtub goes beyond the plumbing basics and you do not feel confident to fix it on your own, feel free to contact professionals.
How To Fix A Leaky Faucet Single Handle?
Single-handle faucets can be slightly different but still follow the same basic principles: identify whether the faucet uses a ball, disc, or cartridge mechanism, disassemble the faucet, replace worn parts, and reassemble to test the repair.
Suppose you still need to learn ow to fix a leaky faucet or feel uncertain at any point of the steps listed here. In that case, it is best to consult homeyou's plumbing professionals to ensure the repair is correct.
