How to Fix a Dripping Bathroom Sink

Worn or damaged parts may cause bathroom faucets to drip water.

A dripping bathroom sink can waste water and raise water bills. First, identify which type of sink tap it is because there are three common bathroom faucets--compression, ball and ceramic disk--and different ways to repair them. A compression faucet consists of a washer compressed against the valve seat. Ball faucets utilize a single handle with a round ball just above the bottom of the faucet. A ceramic disk faucet consists of two ceramic disks inside a cylinder that monitor water flow. Once you have figured out which kind of faucet you have, begin fixing the leak.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver set
• Washer kit
• Needle-nose pliers
• Internal parts (O-ring, spout threading)
• Adjustable wrench

Instructions

Disk Faucet

1. Turn off the water supply with the shutoff valve, which is near the bathroom or in the basement close to the water heater.

2. Pop off the plastic cap covering the screw in the handle with a flat-head screwdriver.

3. Remove the screw in the handle with the necessary type of screwdriver. Take off the faucet handle.

4. Loosen the screws that hold the cylinder disk in place with the appropriate type of screwdriver. Slide out the disk. Pry off the rubber seals below the disk with a screwdriver. Replace the rubber seals if they are worn or damaged.

5. Reassemble the disk faucet in the reverse order of how you took it apart.

Ball Faucet

1. Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve.

2. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle to expose the screw with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull off the faucet spout with your fingers to reveal the cam and seals.

3. Lift out the cam and washer out with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

4. Replace the ball, seals and springs with new parts.

5. Reassemble the ball faucet in the reverse order you removed the parts. Restore the water supply and check for dripping water.

Compression Faucet

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathroom faucet at the shutoff valve.

2. Pop off the plastic cap in the faucet handle with a flat-head screwdriver to reveal the screw.

3. Pull off the handle, which will reveal the faucet's retaining nut. Remove the retaining nut with an adjustable wrench.

4. Grab the threaded stem with needle-nose pliers to reveal the O-ring and stem washer. Replace the O-ring and washer with new parts.

5. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order you removed the parts. Turn the water back on and test the faucet.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace any worn or damaged parts to prevent leaks.

References

• Home Tips: How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
• This Old House: When Faucets Drip and Toilets Run