DIY Tips for Fixing a Leaky Faucet and Saving Water

A leaky faucet is more than just an annoyance—it's a drain on your wallet and a significant waste of a precious resource. That persistent drip, drip, drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year, leading to a surprisingly high water bill and unnecessary strain on local water supplies. The good news is that many common faucet leaks are well within the capabilities of a motivated DIYer to fix. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to diagnose the problem, make the repair, and start saving water and money today.

Why You Should Fix a Leaky Faucet Immediately

It's easy to ignore a small drip, but the cumulative effect is staggering. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single faucet leaking at a rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. That's enough for over 180 showers! Beyond the environmental impact, this wasted water translates directly into higher utility bills. A leak can also be a symptom of a larger issue, like deteriorating washers or O-rings, which, if left unchecked, can lead to more severe damage and costly repairs down the line. Tackling the problem promptly protects your home and your budget.

What You'll Need: Your DIY Plumbing Toolkit

Before you begin, gather your tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and faster. You likely have many of these items already.

• Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
• Slip-joint pliers
• Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
• Replacement parts (e.g., washers, O-rings, cartridge—we'll help you identify which)
• Old towels or rags
• A small bowl or container
• Vinyl tape (for protecting finishes)
• White vinegar or CLR (for cleaning mineral deposits)

Pro Tip: Before you disassemble anything, turn off the water supply! Look for the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they stop. Then, turn the faucet handle on to release any remaining water pressure in the lines.

Step 1: Diagnosing the Type of Faucet and Leak

Not all faucets are the same, and the repair method depends entirely on the type you have. Identifying your faucet is the most critical first step. There are four common types:

• Compression Faucets: The most common type in older homes. They have separate hot and cold handles that you turn to tighten a washer onto a valve seat, compressing it to stop the water flow. A leak is typically caused by a worn-out washer.
• Cartridge Faucets (Two-Handle): These use a hollow cartridge that moves up and down to control water flow. Leaks are often due to worn O-rings or a cracked cartridge itself.
• Ball Faucets: Common in single-handle faucets. A rotating ball with chambers controls the flow and temperature. Leaks usually stem from worn springs and seals or a worn ball.
• Ceramic-Disk Faucets: Known for their durability, these use two ceramic discs to regulate flow. They rarely leak, but when they do, it's usually due to sediment buildup or a cracked disk.

To diagnose the leak's origin, note where the water is coming from. Is it dripping from the spout, or is it seeping out from around the base of the handle? A spout leak often points to an internal issue like a washer or cartridge, while a base leak usually indicates faulty O-rings.

Step 2: Repairing a Compression Faucet

This is one of the most straightforward repairs. If your faucet has separate knobs that you have to turn several times to shut off, it's likely a compression faucet.

1. Remove the handle. There is often a small decorative cap hiding the screw. Pry this off with a flat-head screwdriver, then unscrew the handle.
2. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut.
3. Unscrew the stem assembly and pull it out.
4. At the bottom of the stem, you'll find the washer, held in place by a small screw. Remove the screw and the old, worn washer.
5. Take the old washer to a hardware store to find an exact match. Replace it with the new one and reassemble the faucet in reverse order.
6. While you have it apart, inspect the valve seat inside the faucet body for grooves or pitting. If it's damaged, you may need to resurface or replace it using a special tool.

Step 3: Repairing a Cartridge, Ball, or Disk Faucet

For these more modern faucets, the process often involves replacing a self-contained unit or a set of seals.

• For Cartridge Faucets: After removing the handle, you'll see a retaining clip. Carefully remove it and pull out the cartridge. It's a good idea to replace the entire cartridge and any O-rings you see. Bring the old cartridge to the store to ensure you get the correct model.
• For Ball Faucets: After removing the handle, you'll use a special wrench (often provided in a repair kit) to unscrew the cap and remove the cam and plastic ball. Underneath, you'll find small rubber seals and springs. It's best to buy a complete repair kit and replace all these parts at once.
• For Ceramic-Disk Faucets: After removing the handle, you'll see the disk assembly. Check for cracks and clean any mineral deposits with vinegar. If a disk is cracked, it must be replaced as a unit.

Actionable Advice: When reassembling any faucet, don't overtighten the nuts and screws. Snug is sufficient. Overtightening can strip threads and damage new parts.

Beyond the Repair: Proactive Tips for Saving Water

Fixing the leak is a huge step, but you can take your water savings even further with these habits and upgrades:

• Install Aerators: These inexpensive devices screw onto the end of your faucet spout and mix air with the water, reducing flow without sacrificing pressure. They can cut water use by 30% or more.
• Check for Hidden Leaks: Monitor your water meter. Read it, avoid using water for two hours, then read it again. If it has changed, you may have a hidden leak elsewhere.
• Be Mindful of Use: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes. Every little bit adds up to significant savings over time.
• Consider WaterSense Faucets: When it's time for a full replacement, look for faucets with the EPA's WaterSense label. They are certified to be at least 20% more efficient without sacrificing performance.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY is empowering, some situations call for a professional's expertise. Don't hesitate to call a plumber if you encounter any of the following:

• You can't identify the type of faucet or the source of the leak.
• The shut-off valves under the sink are stuck, broken, or also leaking.
• You've made the repair, but the leak persists.
• There are signs of significant corrosion or broken parts that you can't easily replace.
• You simply don't feel comfortable with the process. A small mistake can lead to a flooded bathroom or kitchen.

There's no shame in calling for backup. A professional job ensures the repair is done correctly and safely, giving you peace of mind.

You've taken a great step by learning how to tackle a leaky faucet. You're now equipped to save water, lower your bills, and gain the satisfaction of a job well done. However, if you've run into a problem that's beyond your comfort zone, or if you suspect issues with your drains or other plumbing, don't risk it.

Call the experts at (855) 971-3303 for fast, reliable, and professional drain and plumbing services. We're here to help with everything from persistent leaks to major installations!