How to Repair a Faucet Valve Stem

Fix a leaky faucet so your money won't go down the drain.

With everyone scrambling to save money these days, an important part of monitoring your household bills is saving water. A leaky faucet can be annoying, and it can also significantly increase your monthly water bill. Those small, irritating droplets can quickly add up to large amounts of water waste. Fixing a leaky faucet is normally a relatively simple procedure, and involves repairing or replacing the valve stem, located inside either the hot or cold water shutoff handle.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Monkey wrench or crescent wrench
• Washer and rubber seal

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Instructions

1. Test water droplets with your hand to determine whether the hot or cold supply is leaking. This will prevent you from doing extra work--or replacing the wrong side.

2. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. The water supply is normally directly below the faucet. Turn off both knobs--hot and cold.

3. Remove the faucet handle on whichever side is leaking by using the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the handle. You may need to use the regular screwdriver to pry up the cap covering the screw.

4. Remove the valve stem from its seat by loosening and removing the small nut holding it in place, using a wrench. Check to see if the stem is cracked; if so, it must be replaced.

5. Inspect the rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the valve stem. If it is cracked or in poor condition, replace it. If the rubber seal is not separable from the valve stem, replace the entire assembly.

6. Replace the washer underneath the stem. If replacing the rubber seal, install the new seal.

7. Replace the valve stem, faucet handle and screw. Replace the screw cover and turn on the water to check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of what you are doing, call a licensed plumber.

References

• Home Addition Plus: Repairing a Leaky Faucet