How to Fix a Leaking Water Faucet

Different kinds of faucets require different kinds of repairs.

Homes have two kinds of faucets. Compression faucets have a handle to shut off the water, allowing the stem to move down and an attached washer to prevent water from flowing through the valve seat. Washerless faucets work by moving the handle to open or close a channel through which water flows. Each kind of faucet has several varieties, but most leaks can be fixed with a few tools and supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Washer
• Allen wrench
• Pipe joint compound
• O-ring
• Long-nosed and groove-joint pliers
• Stiff brush
• Cartridges and other faucet parts

Instructions

Compression Faucets

1. Shut off the valve that supplies water to the faucet. The valve usually is found directly below the sink. It either will be exposed or inside the vanity. Sometimes, in houses with older plumbing that hasn't been upgraded, valves are placed much lower--sometimes even below the floor boards. If this is the case, you will need to access the valve from the floor below. Usually when this occurs, the ceiling below is an unfinished basement without a ceiling, or a drop ceiling has been added that allows for easy removal and replacement of panels.

2. Pry off the decorative cap and with a screwdriver remove the screw that secures the faucet handle to the stem. Pull the handle from the stem.

3. Remove the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. Turn counterclockwise. Gently pull up the stem assembly, or turn it counterclockwise by hand.

4. Replace the worn washer. A washer is considered worn if certain sections of the rubber have become misshapen, or if sections are ripped or chewed because of the constant turning of the mechanism. If the new washer does not fit, reverse the old one for a temporary fix. Always use a brass screw, which does not rust, to install the washer.

5. Replace the valve seat if the faucet still leaks after installing a new washer. Use an Allen wrench to unscrew (counterclockwise) and remove the seat. Grease the new seat with pipe joint compound.

6. Tighten the packing nut if the handle leaks. If this doesn't work, remove the nut and old packing (sometimes this is an O-ring). Refill the nut with about one and one half times new packing and replace.

Washerless Faucets

1. Shut off the valve that supplies water to the faucet.

2. Clean the aerator in the spout's tip if water flow is restricted. Drips and leaks are caused by failed parts--O-ring, cartridge, or valve seat.

3. Tighten the adjusting ring clockwise with a wrench if the handle leaks in a ball faucet. Pull out and replace seals and springs with long-nosed pliers if the spout drips. Clean inlet holes with a stiff brush and replace worn O-rings.

4. Remove screws in the valve cap to fix leaks in a ceramic disc faucet. Unscrew the adjustment nut using groove-joint pliers. Remove the retaining plate with a screwdriver and remove the cartridge assembly with long-nosed pliers. Clean and dry the valve body. Replace worn inlet seals and the cartridge assembly.

5. Remove the screw under the cap to lift off the tilt handle of a cartridge faucet. Unscrew the pivot nut and lift off the sleeve. Replace O-rings. If leaking continues, replace the cartridge by pulling out the retainer clip with a screwdriver and remove the cartridge with pliers. If the cartridge does not budge, do not force it. Instead, replace the entire faucet.

Tips & Warnings

• To fix a leaking spray head, unscrew it from its coupling, detach the coupling from the hose by prying off the retaining snap ring, and replace the washer.

• A faucet leak is the simplest plumbing problem you can repair yourself. However, if you are unable to fix the leak, or if you discover that other issues (low water pressure, sweating or leaking pipes) are causing or contributing to the problem, call a plumber for assistance.

References

• DoItYourself.com: Repair a Leaky Faucet (diagrams)