How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Step-by-Step

Meta Description: Stop that drip! Our step-by-step guide shows you how to fix a leaky faucet easily. Save water, money, and your sanity. Call (855) 971-3303 for pro help.

Why You Should Fix a Leaky Faucet Immediately

That persistent drip-drip-drip is more than just an annoyance; it's a sign of a problem that can cost you significantly. A single faucet leaking at one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water in a year. That's enough for more than 180 showers! This wasted water translates directly to a higher utility bill. Beyond the financial cost, a constant leak can lead to stained sinks, damaged fixtures, and even promote the growth of mold and mildew due to the persistent moisture. Addressing a leaky faucet promptly is a simple yet powerful act of home maintenance that protects your wallet and your home.

What You'll Need: Your Faucet Repair Toolkit

Before you begin, gathering the right tools will make the job smoother and faster. You don't need a professional plumber's van, just a few common items.

• Adjustable Wrench or Basin Wrench: Essential for loosening and tightening nuts in tight spaces.
• Slip-Joint Pliers: Great for gripping various parts.
• Screwdrivers (Flat-Head and Phillips): For removing handles and screws.
• Replacement Parts (Washers, O-rings, Cartridge, etc.): The specific part will depend on your faucet type. We'll cover this in detail.
• Utility Knife or Small Pick: Helpful for prying out old seals or O-rings.
• Soft Cloth or Tape: To protect the faucet's finish from scratches by your tools.
• Penetrating Oil (like WD-40): Useful if parts are stuck or corroded.
• Bucket or Towel: To place under the sink to catch any residual water.

Pro Tip: Take a picture with your phone after you remove each part. This will be an invaluable reference when it's time to reassemble everything.

Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type

The repair process varies significantly depending on the type of faucet you have. Identifying it is the most crucial first step. Here are the four most common types:

• Compression Faucets: These are the traditional style with separate hot and cold handles. When you turn the handle, it compresses a washer against a valve seat to stop the water flow. Leaks are often caused by a worn-out washer. You can usually identify them by the fact that you have to turn the handle several times to fully open or close the water.
• Cartridge Faucets (Single Handle): These use a single handle that moves left and right to control temperature and up and down to control flow. Inside, a cartridge with ports controls the water. Leaks are typically due to worn O-rings or a cracked cartridge itself.
• Ball Faucets: A common type of single-handle faucet. The handle controls a slotted metal or plastic ball inside the faucet body. Leaks often stem from worn-out springs and seals or a worn ball.
• Ceramic-Disk Faucets: These are modern, durable faucets. They use two ceramic discs to regulate water flow. One disc moves while the other remains stationary. They rarely leak, but when they do, the entire cartridge usually needs replacement.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply and Prep the Area

Never attempt to disassemble a faucet with the water supply on. Locate the shut-off valves for the sink. They are usually under the sink, with one valve for hot water and one for cold. Turn them clockwise until they stop. To confirm the water is off, slowly turn the faucet handle on. If no water comes out, you've successfully shut off the supply.

Place a towel or a small bucket in the sink basin to prevent any small parts from accidentally falling down the drain. Also, plug the drain to be extra safe. Use your cloth or tape to wrap the jaws of your wrench and pliers to prevent scratching the chrome or brushed nickel finish of your faucet.

Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet

This is where your photos will come in handy. The disassembly process differs by faucet type.

• For Compression Faucets: Pry off the decorative cap on the handle (often labeled "H" or "C"). Use a screwdriver to remove the screw underneath and lift the handle off. You will see a packing nut. Use your wrench to unscrew this nut, and you will expose the stem. Unscrew the stem and remove it.
• For Cartridge Faucets: Remove the handle. There is often a small set screw hidden under a plastic cap. Once the handle is off, you'll see a retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge in place. Carefully remove the clip or nut and pull the cartridge straight out. It might require gentle rocking or the use of a puller tool if it's stuck.
• For Ball Faucets: Remove the handle and you'll see a plastic or metal cap. Unscrew this cap to reveal the cam and ball assembly. Lift out the ball. Underneath, you'll find the springs and seals.

Actionable Advice: Lay the parts out on a towel in the order you remove them. This makes reassembly a reverse-order process.

Step 4: Identify and Replace the Faulty Parts

With the faucet disassembled, inspect the internal components.

• Washers and O-rings: These are the most common culprits. Look for cracks, warping, or a flattened, worn-out shape. Even if they look okay, if you're already this far, it's good practice to replace them. Take the old parts to your local hardware store to ensure you get perfect matches.
• Cartridges and Valves: Check for cracks, chips, or signs of wear on the ceramic or plastic parts. If you see damage, the entire unit needs to be replaced.
• Valve Seat (for Compression Faucets): The valve seat is what the washer presses against. Over time, it can become pitted or corroded. You can inspect it by feeling for roughness with your finger. A special tool called a valve seat wrench is used to remove and replace it.

Carefully install the new parts, making sure they are seated correctly and securely. A little plumber's grease on new O-rings can make installation easier and create a better seal.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet and Test for Leaks

This is simply the reverse of the disassembly process. Refer to the photos you took. Be careful not to overtighten nuts and screws, as this can damage the new parts or strip the threads. Hand-tighten, and then use your tool for a final quarter- to half-turn.

Once fully reassembled, it's time for the moment of truth. Slowly turn the water supply valves back on (counter-clockwise). Then, slowly turn the faucet on. Let the water run for a minute, checking for any leaks around the handles and spout. If you see a leak, the faucet likely needs to be disassembled again to ensure a part is seated correctly or a connection is tight enough.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While many leaky faucets are a manageable DIY project, some situations call for a professional's touch. You should strongly consider calling a plumber if:

• You cannot identify the faucet type or find the correct replacement parts.
• The shut-off valves under the sink are also leaking or won't turn.
• You encounter severely corroded or broken parts that won't budge.
• You've replaced the obvious parts, but the leak persists.
• You simply don't feel comfortable with the process and want the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed repair.

Avoid turning a simple repair into a major problem. Professional plumbers have the experience, tools, and parts to diagnose and fix the issue quickly and correctly the first time.

Don't Let a Drip Drain Your Wallet

You've now learned the causes of a leaky faucet, the tools you need, and the step-by-step process to fix it yourself. Tackling this repair can be a rewarding experience that saves you money and water. However, we understand that not every homeowner has the time, tools, or confidence for this kind of project. If you've run into trouble, the leak has gotten worse, or you'd just prefer to have an expert handle it, we're here to help.

Call the pros at (855) 971-3303 today for fast, reliable, and professional drain and plumbing services. We'll stop the drip for good and ensure your plumbing is in perfect working order!