How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Introduction

Tired of seeing your money go down the drain? A leaky faucet can cost you a significant amount of money if it is not taken care of right away because it will not be long until those drops have accumulated gallons of water that have gone to waste. To fix it you first need to figure out what kind of faucet you have so you can get replacement parts. After that you should follow the steps below.

By: eHow Home & Garden Editor

Length: 3:23

Comments: 5

View more articles by this author

Flag | RSS

(115)

Add to Favorites

URL:
Embed:

Instructions

Text Size: – +

Print Article

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Tips & Warnings:

If your faucet has a single handle you are dealing with a "washerless faucet." This will have either a cartridge, a ball or a disc mechanism to control the water flow - no washers.
If you faucet has separate handle for hot and cold water you are likely dealing with a compression faucet. (uses an internal water shut off valve that has a washer on the end to stop leaks). However dual handle faucets can also have disc or cartridge mechanisms.
The easiest way to replace parts is to open up the faucet and take the interior parts to a plumbing supply or hardware store. Have a knowledgeable salesperson help you find replacement parts.
When working with chrome and brass fixtures, make sure you protect the surfaces from tools that can scratch and scuff the finish. Use a cloth or put masking tape on wrench jaws to prevent marring the surface.

Step1

Turn off the water supply to the leaky faucet. Water shutoffs are often located under the sink but in older homes there may only be one main water shut off for the entire house, usually located where the water pipe enters (often facing the street).

Step2

Open the faucet and let any water in the pipes drain out.

Step3

Put in the sink drain plug or put a towel in the sink bottom. Faucets have small screws and you don't want to lose one down the drain.

Step4

Remove the faucet handle. Virtually all handles are attached with a screw often hidden under a decorative cap that can be pried off with a small screwdriver.

Step5

Remove the workings of the faucet and determine what kind of repair is required (see Tips). Once you have identified what kind of faucet you have, see the related eHow for details on repairing your particular faucet.

Comments

CCrock said

Flag This Comment

on 1/15/2008 Thanks for sharing. Luckily, living in an apartment, the maintenance guy was able to fix our leaky faucet for us!

CCrock said

Flag This Comment

on 1/15/2008 Thanks for sharing. Luckily, living in an apartment, the maintenance guy was able to fix our leaky faucet for us!

kaloka said

Flag This Comment

on 6/12/2007 But how to you repair an outdoor wall faucet leak ( drip )?

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 When replacing the stems on a faucet or shutting off the water supply, make sure you remove the aerator. (It is the screen that filters.) Unscrew the aerator and remove it before turning the water supply back on. If you don't, it will clog up.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Sure, turn off the water ... but our shutoff valve wasn't near the bathroom sink. We finally found it down the line. Be prepared for a surprise if you don't know your house well.

View All