How to fix a leaking faucet? A Step-by-Step Guide

“There are estimates suggesting that billions of liters might be wasted on earth daily by drips from taps; per year, this would mean more than 11,000 liters are wasted through one leaky pipe compared with many homes where it happens repetitively hence raising the increased amount of liquid that goes with.”

A leaky faucet is undoubtedly a challenging problem to deal with, but with the appropriate direction, it can be trouble-free. The guidelines below will help you repair a leaky kitchen, bathroom, or shower faucet handle.
We’ll discuss everything from determining the sort of faucet you own to the particular tools you require. Advice on how to avoid future leakage tendencies is also included here. Let’s start by repairing the dripping tap!

Understanding Your Faucet

Before you can fix a leaky faucet, it’s essential to understand the type of faucet you have. There are several types, including:

• Compression Faucets
• Ball Faucets
• Cartridge Faucets
• Ceramic Disc Faucets

Identifying your faucet type will help you determine the right repair method.

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a list of tools and materials you’ll need to fix a leaking faucet:

• Adjustable wrench
• Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
• Replacement parts (cartridges, O-rings, washers, etc.)
• Plumber’s grease
• A small bucket or container
• Cleaning cloths
• White vinegar (for cleaning)

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Leaking Faucet:

“In the average home, leaks can account for over 37,000 liters of water wasted every year. Common sources include dripping faucets, worn toilet flappers, and leaking valves, all of which are typically easy to fix.”

So, there are steps you need to follow to stop wasting water in your daily routine. 

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

The primary step in repairing any leaky faucet is shutting off the water supply. To close, look under your sink for the shutoff valves and turn them clockwise. If your tap does not have separate shutoff valves, you might have to shut off your house’s main water supply.

Step 2: Plug the Sink Drain

When you’re working on the faucet, this will prevent small pieces from falling down the drain. Use the rag or sink plug to block the drain.

Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet

To remove the handle, use your screwdriver. You may have to remove a decorative cap in order to reach the screw, depending on your type of faucet. The internal parts of the faucet, such as the cartridge or valve stem, will be revealed after the handle is removed.

The disassembling process is different for each type of faucet.

1. Compression Faucets: 

These faucets have individual knobs for hot and cold water, which close rubber washers inside by squeezing. This style is common in aging structures.

• Remove Handles: Unfasten decorative caps and handles with screwdrivers.
• Remove Valve Stem: Use a pipe wrench to loosen the valve stem.
• Check Washers and O-rings: Check the washers and O-rings for broken areas and replace them if necessary.

2. Ball Faucets: 

Kitchens commonly have these, which have a single handle for controlling hot and cold water. A ball bearing controls the flow and heat temperature.

• Remove Handle: Get an Allen wrench to unscrew the set screw before removing the handle.
• Disassemble the Ball Assembly: Using pliers, remove the cap and collar, the cam assembly, and the ball.
• Inspect and Replace Parts: Inspect the ball, cam, and seal for deterioration and install any impaired part.

3. Cartridge Faucets: 

Their everyday operation is smooth because they have a single handle or two. These units are designed to have (and can have) a cartridge that controls the flow of water as it moves back and forth or nodes up and down.

1. Remove Handle: Loosen the handle, then take it away.
2. Remove Cartridge: You should use pliers to detach the retaining clip before pulling out the cartridge.
3. Inspect and Replace Cartridge: Check to see if there is any damage to the cartridge and replace it if necessary.

4. Ceramic Disc Faucets: 

They have a single lever and are resilient by design. This is achieved by using two ceramic discs over each other to govern the flow of water in them.

1. Remove Handle: Use an Allen wrench to remove the set screw, then lift off the handle.
2. Remove Ceramic Discs: The ceramic disc cartridge can be lifted out by unscrewing the mounting screws.
3. Inspect and Replace Discs: Inspect the discs as they may be cracked or damaged, and replace them if they are such.

Step 4: Inspect the Parts

Think about the parts you have taken out. Examine for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, corrosion, or worn-out seals. Common areas to look at comprise:

• O-rings: They’re little round bands made of rubber that help create a seal that will keep water out.
• Washers: Flat round pieces of rubber or silicone that also discourage leakage.
• Cartridges: They regulate how the water flows and how hot or cold it gets.

Step 5: Clean or Replace Parts

If the parts are dirty but not damaged, then clean them with white vinegar on one side. These changes, in most cases, shall help eliminate any mineral deposits. If the parts are damaged, then replace them with new ones. Just make sure you know for which particular faucet model its replacements will fit properly.

Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet

After cleaning the essential parts, reassemble the faucet. For seamless performance, apply a light layer of plumber grease on all touch areas. It is advisable not to tighten the screws excessively because it will destroy your tap.

Step 7: Turn the Water Supply Back On

After disassembling the faucet, gently turn the water on before reassembling it. Switch the faucet on and off several times to ensure it does not drip after turning the supply back on. Once everything is alright, the faucet is repaired.

Benefits of Fixing Leaks:

“Fixing leaky faucets can save households up to 10% on their monthly water bills and reduce global water waste by billions of liters annually. This small action has a large impact on overall water conservation efforts.”

Common Leaky Faucet Problems and Solutions

Kitchen Faucet Leaking from Handle:

On many occasions, a kitchen faucet that is leaking from its handle can be caused by a damaged O-ring. This causes the O-ring to wear out and allows the water to flow over the flat top of the tap instead of just through the nozzle like before. This is particularly true if you are running hard water through your system often because it will gradually cause mineral buildup within the spout, which can then plug up over time, leading to this sort of leak problem. A new ring can be easily replaced using a few steps, which are discussed in detail below; if you follow the steps above, then your dripping problem will be over.

Bathroom Faucet Leaking From Spout:

An old washer or cartridge could cause this. To solve this problem, first pull down the faucet and replace any worn-out parts before putting everything back together again.

Dripping Faucet:

When a faucet drips, a washer or cartridge may need to be replaced because it is worn out.

Single Handle Faucet Leaking:

If you have a single-handle faucet leak, change the cartridge. Follow instructions to break down and check out the cartridge, then replace it if needed.

Outdoor Faucet Leaking From Handle:

An outdoor faucet leaking from the handle is often due to worn packing around the valve stem. You can fix this by tightening the packing nut or replacing the packing washer.

Preventing Future Leaks:

To prevent future leaks, consider these tips:

• Regular Maintenance: Periodically check your faucets for signs of wear and tear.
• Use Softeners: Hard water can cause mineral buildup, which leads to leaks. To reduce mineral deposits, use water softeners.
• Gentle Use: Avoid turning your faucet handles too hard. This can wear out the seals and other internal parts more quickly.

Regular Inspections:

Regular inspections help catch potential problems before they turn into significant issues. Check for:

• Corrosion: Inspect the faucet for any signs of rust or corrosion.
• Loose Parts: Ensure that all parts are securely tightened.
• Water Pressure: High water pressure can damage your faucet. If your home has high water pressure, consider installing a pressure regulator.

Use Quality Parts

When replacing parts, use high-quality replacements. Cheaper parts might save you money upfront but can wear out quickly and cause more leaks in the future.

When to Call a Professional

While fixing a leaking faucet is usually a straightforward task, there are times when you need to call a professional plumber. If you’ve tried the above steps and the faucet still leaks, or if you’re uncomfortable performing the repair yourself, it’s best to seek professional help. A plumber can also help if:

• The leak is severe: A severe leak may indicate a more significant problem with your plumbing system.
• You can’t identify the issue: If you can’t determine the cause of the leak, a professional can help diagnose and fix the problem.
• Specialty faucets: Some high-end or specialty faucets may require professional repair to avoid damage.

Conclusion

Fixing a leaky faucet doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can tackle this common household problem yourself. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll not only save money on repair bills but also gain the satisfaction of fixing it yourself.

Remember, regular maintenance and gentle use can go a long way in preventing future leaks. So next time your faucet starts dripping, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy fixing!

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