Dripping faucets are more than just annoying. Over time, they waste a surprising amount of water – and money! Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet usually isn’t a difficult DIY project. With a few tools and the right guidance, you can stop that drip and put your hard-earned cash towards something more enjoyable.
Why the Drip? Understanding the Causes
The first step is figuring out why your faucet drips. The most common culprits are:
- Worn-out washers: These rubber seals are in constant contact with water, and they get hard and brittle over time, preventing a tight seal.
- Damaged O-rings: These are found in more modern faucets, usually on the handle’s base or around the cartridge. They wear out much like washers.
- Faulty cartridge: Cartridge-style faucets have a single, internal component (the cartridge) that controls water flow. If the cartridge is damaged, it’ll leak.
- Corroded valve seat: This is the part of the faucet where the washer or cartridge makes contact, creating a seal. Mineral deposits and corrosion can damage this seat, causing leaks.
Gathering Supplies
Before you start, get organized. You’ll likely need:
- Basin wrench: This specialized tool helps reach nuts under the sink in tight spaces.
- Channel-lock pliers: These are handy for working with larger nuts.
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Plumbers grease
- Replacement parts: Washers, O-rings, maybe a cartridge (more on this later).
- Cloth or towel: To cover the drain and prevent losing parts.
- Small container: To hold disassembled parts.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off the water supply: Under your sink, locate the individual shut-off valves for hot and cold water. Twist them clockwise to stop the water flow. Turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water.
- Identify your faucet type: There are four main types:
- Compression faucets: Two separate handles for hot and cold
- Ball faucets: Single handle that moves on a ball joint
- Cartridge faucets: Single handle with more limited up/down motion
- Ceramic disc faucets: Single handle with smooth side-to-side movement
- Disassemble the handle(s):
- Compression: Pry off the decorative cap (if present) on top of the handle, revealing a screw. Remove the screw and pull off the handle.
- Other types: Look for a set screw, usually hidden under a decorative cap, on the side or base of the handle. Loosen, then remove the handle.
- Remove the retaining nut: A large nut secures the internal parts. Use your pliers or wrench as needed to loosen it.
- Identify and replace the problem parts:
- Compression faucet: You’ll see a stem with a washer at the end. Remove the screw holding the washer. Swap in a new one!
- Ball faucet: Assembly is more complex, but often O-rings or rubber seals are the issue. Replace as needed.
- Cartridge and ceramic disc faucet: Carefully pull out the cartridge. Bring it to the hardware store to find an exact replacement.
- Inspect the valve seat: Look inside the faucet body for corrosion or build-up. If it’s rough, use a special valve seat tool to clean it. Severe damage may mean calling a plumber.
- Reassemble carefully: Apply a thin coating of plumbers grease to the threads and O-rings. Reinstall everything in reverse order. Don’t overtighten!
- Test it out: Turn the water supply back on slowly. Check for leaks around all the connections.
Finding the Right Parts
Knowing your faucet brand and model is ideal, but not always possible. Take the old parts to the hardware store – staff often can identify them and point you to the right replacements.
Advanced Tips
- If you’re stuck, take pictures of the parts at each stage of disassembly. This helps with reassembly.
- Some mineral-heavy water necessitates replacing parts more frequently.
- A persistently stubborn leak after all this may indicate a more serious plumbing issue – call a pro in that case.
That’s it! You’ve conquered the drip, and your wallet and the planet thank you!
