A leaky, dripping faucet can be annoying enough to keep you awake at night.
And it’s not just that: A dripping faucet can waste an incredible amount of water.
Fortunately, mostleaky faucetscan be repaired by a do-it-yourselferwith no need to call in a plumber.
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Mostfaucet leaksare the result of worn cartridges or worn stem assembly washers.
Replacing these parts cures most faucet leaks.
Worn Compression Faucet Washer
Another style of faucet is the compression valve faucet.
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This soft rubber or silicone washer will slowly wear down.
No matter how hard you tighten the faucet, the water never quite shuts off all the way.
Replacing the stem washer is usually the cure for thistype of leak.
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This is a simple, inexpensive fix that takes care of mostcompression faucet leaks.
This allows you to use the washer and screw that fits your faucet.
bring up the cabinet door to locate the two braided water supply lines and twoshut-off valves.
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Shut off each line individually byturning the knob or leverclockwise until it is tight.
If the water does not shut off completely, turn off themain water shut-off valveto the entire house.
This valve is often located on the inside perimeter of the home on the side facing the street.
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Insert the end of the Allen key into the screw and turn counter-clockwise.
Remove the screw and set it safely aside.
Remove Faucet Handle
Lift the handle straight up to remove it.
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Loosen Retaining Nut
Locate the thin retaining nut that holds the sink cartridge in place.
Clamp the adjustable pliers around the retaining nut.
Turn counter-clockwise to loosen the nut.
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Turn out the nut the rest of the way by hand.
You may need to gently wiggle the cartridge to first loosen it before removing it.
Insert Replacement Cartridge
Align the tabs of the replacement cartridge with the slots on thefaucet.
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Slide the cartridge straight down until it fully seats.
With the wrench, apply the retaining nut.
Test Water Flow
Turn on the water supply valves.
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Let the faucet run for about a minute, and then turn it off again.
Some faucets may have a decorative cap over the screw.
Remove this cap with a flat-head screwdriver or the edge of a utility knife.
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Unscrew the handle and set it and its screw aside.
Screw counter-clockwise to remove it.
Note that the hex screw head is integrated into the valve stem assembly.
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It is nota separate retaining nut.
Remove the Washer Screw
Use thePhillips-head screwdriverto remove the screw holding the stem washer in place.
Replace Stem Washer
Firmly place the new stem washer on the valve stem assembly.
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Screw the washer screw over the top.
Assemble Faucet
Replace the valve cover (if applicable).
Add any decorative caps over the top.
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Turn on the water again below the sink and let it run for about a minute.
Turn off the faucet and check for leaks.
Eventually, it’s easier and less expensive to buy a new one.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Repairs Take Too Long
Leakyfaucet repairsshould take a half hour or up to an hour.
You shouldn’t be spending hours working on your bathroom or kitchen faucet.
Repairs Cost Too Much
Balance the cost of the repairs against the cost of replacement.
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An inexpensive faucet may not be worth repairing unless you only need to replace a few washers.
Expensive faucets usually are worth repairing.
The cost of the faucet cartridge is usually the determining factor, since this is the most expensive part.
Plumbersespecially emergency plumberscan be expensive, even for the short amount of time needed to repair a faucet.
Before making a call, weigh the cost of the plumber against the cost of purchasing a new faucet.
No, the leak will likely get worse over time, especially if thefaucet partsare old.
It is best to fix a leak as soon as possible to avoid water waste.
Wear and tear on the cartridge or stem assembly is usually theculprit behind a leaky faucet.
For example, the rubber or silicone washer will wear out and not provide a tight seal.
Fix a Leak Week.United States Environmental Protection Agency.
