About Leaky Faucets

The repetitive dripping and seeping of a leaky faucet is not only bothersome, but will also stain your sink with water spots and inflate your water bill. A little leak can cost you up to three gallons of water in a single day.

Types

Determine the cause of the leaky faucet and determine how to fix it. Common causes of leaks include a loose connection or a washer that is worn out, the wrong size or poorly installed.

Features

Loose faucet handles can cause water to drip from the faucet. This can be fixed by tightening the screws on each handle using a screw driver. Caution should be taken not to over-tighten the screws as stripping may occur. You may need to replace the screws and possibly the handles as well, depending on the severity with which the screws or handles are stripped.

Effects

Replace the washer in a leaky faucet for an immediate solution. Unscrew and remove each knob or handle from the sink or wall and remove the washer. Replace with a new washer. Re-attach the handle, screwing it in firmly. For designer bathroom faucets, remove the designer cover to access the faucet's handle.

Considerations

Leaky kitchen faucet require a different solution as they have a bar with a near 360° range of motion. To fix a leaky kitchen faucet, unscrew the end cap and remove the rubberized washer. Replace the washer with a new one and screw the metal end cap back onto the spigot firmly.

Identification

You can identify a loose connection on a faucet if it is leaking from the base of its arm or from the area around the packing nut. Using the adjustable wrench, tighten the nut that is located just below the faucet handle. If it keeps leaking, unscrew and detach from the base. Replace the rubberized washer with a new one and then screw the arm back on. Once again, screw it back on firmly, but make sure that it can still move freely with normal effort.

Resources

• Fixing a Leaky Faucet
• Fixing a Shower Faucet