Stop That Drip! How to Easily Fix a Leaky Faucet in 3 Steps
Introduction
A leaky faucet can seem like just a minor annoyance, but it's often a sign of bigger problems that will only get worse over time. Fixing a leaky faucet as soon as it starts dripping can prevent more costly repairs down the road.
Leaky faucets are usually caused by worn washers or valves that no longer seat properly, allowing water to slowly leak out around them. This constant dripping can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year, hiking up your water bill. The leaks also allow moisture to seep into areas around the faucet, promoting mold, mildew, and potential water damage if left unaddressed.
Over time, the constant pressure of water leaking through can erode sink basins, counter tops, and plumbing. Small leaks left unchecked can become major leaks, potentially flooding your home. Replacing damaged countertops or rotted cabinets ends up being far more expensive than just replacing a simple faucet washer or valve seat early on.
Fixing a leaky faucet is usually a relatively quick and easy DIY project. With some basic tools and parts, you can stop the dripping and prevent further damage. This guide will walk through the steps to fully disassemble, repair, and reinstall a leaky faucet valve. Tackling the problem right away saves water, prevents damage, and gives you the satisfaction of an easy home repair job.
Assess the Leak
The first step is to locate the exact source of the leak and determine if it's coming from the faucet itself or the supply lines or pipes. Start by thoroughly cleaning the faucet and sink area to remove any dirt, grime or hard water buildup. This will make any leaks easier to spot.
Turn the faucet on to both hot and cold. Check where the water is dripping from - at the spout, handle, base of the faucet, or down the supply lines. Drips at the spout or handle indicate an issue with washers, O-rings or cartridge inside the faucet. Leaks at the base or where the faucet meets the sink/counter usually mean you need a new faucet gasket. Drips along the supply lines or pipes under the sink point to worn out washers or a loose connection that needs tightened.
If the leak seems to be coming from several places, start with the faucet itself before moving on to supply lines or pipes. Many times a bad cartridge or worn internal components allow water to leak out to other areas. Replacing those parts first often solves leaks down the lines too.
Accurately identifying the leak source is crucial for fixing the problem quickly and completely. Taking a few minutes to thoroughly assess the situation will pay off when it comes time to disassemble and repair your faucet.
Shut Off Water Supply
Before starting any repairs on a faucet, you'll need to shut off the water supply lines that feed the faucet. This prevents water from continuing to flow while you have the faucet disassembled for repairs.
Locate the hot and cold water shutoff valves under the sink. They will look like knobs or handles on the water supply lines coming out of the wall or floor. Turn them clockwise to shut off the water.
If you don't see individual hot and cold shutoff valves, there may be a main shutoff valve for the entire house. This is usually located where the main water line enters the home, often in the basement, garage, or near the water meter. Turn it clockwise to shut off water to the entire home.
Once the water is shut off, turn on the faucet to release any built-up pressure and drain any water left in the lines. Check under the sink to make sure the water supply lines are no longer flowing any water before starting your repair work.
Disassemble the Faucet
To disassemble the faucet, start by removing the handle. Look for a set screw on the side or underside of the handle and loosen it with an Allen wrench. Pull the handle straight up and off the faucet.
Next, reach under the sink and locate the retaining nut that holds the faucet cartridge or stems in place. Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen and unthread the retaining nut. Set the nut aside.
Now you can lift out the faucet cartridge by gripping the cylindrical body and pulling straight up. With a compression faucet, use pliers to grip and pull up the stems. Set aside the cartridge or stems and retaining clip. Take note of the order and orientation of parts as you remove them.
Inspect the rubber washers and -rings. Replace any that are cracked, torn, or misshapen. Clean mineral deposits off other faucet parts with white vinegar.
Clean or Replace Parts
Once the faucet has been disassembled, thoroughly clean the parts to remove any built-up gunk, lime deposits, or debris. Scrub all washers, o-rings, seats, springs, and metal components with an old toothbrush and white vinegar or lemon juice to break up mineral deposits. Rinse everything thoroughly afterwards.
Inspect each part, especially rubber washers and o-rings, for cracks, tears, and signs of wear and tear. These parts act as seals and any damage means they need to be replaced. Replace any part that is visibly worn, corroded, or defective. Use food-grade plumber's grease to lubricate o-rings before reinstalling to help create a watertight seal.
Replacement parts are readily available at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. Bring the old parts with you to match them up. Be sure to get the exact same type and size for proper fit and function. Common parts that need replacing in most faucets include - o-rings, washers, seats, springs, cartridges, and valve stems. Investing in high quality replacement parts can significantly extend the life of the faucet.
Reassemble Faucet
Once all the parts have been cleaned or replaced as needed, you can reassemble the faucet. It is crucial that you replace all parts in the correct order. Refer to your photos or notes if needed to ensure the right sequence.
First, insert the cartridge back into the faucet body. Make sure it is fully seated in place. Next, reattach any other internal components like washers, seats, springs etc. following the proper order.
Now place the handle back over the cartridge/stem. Align it correctly and secure the handle in place with the retaining nut or screw. Tighten it hand-tight first, then finish tightening with a wrench or screwdriver to ensure a snug fit.
Finally, reattach any decorative components and the spout. Make sure all connections are tightened properly so there are no loose parts. Confirm that the handle moves smoothly and all parts are correctly aligned. If the faucet requires silicone grease on any o-rings or gaskets, add that now. Once fully reassembled without any missing or crooked pieces, you are ready to turn the water back on and test for leaks.
Turn Water Back On
After reassembling the faucet, you're ready to turn the water back on. First, remove any tools or supplies from under the sink so they don't get wet. Then locate the hot and cold shutoff valves and turn them on slowly. Open the hot water valve first, then the cold water valve.
Turn the valves on all the way. Turn on the faucet handle and let the water run for a few minutes. Check to make sure the leak has stopped. Look under the sink to check for any drips or leaks around the water connections. Tighten them if needed.
Run the hot and cold water to make sure you have good water pressure. If the pressure seems low, check that the shutoff valves are open all the way. Let the water run until it's clear. This will flush any sediment or dirty water from the pipes.
Check the drain connections while the water is running. Look for leaks around the drain pipe, slip connectors, or tailpiece. Tighten any loose connections. Adjust and tighten any supply tubes or connections if needed.
If any leaks persist, turn the water back off and recheck the parts you replaced. Make sure they are properly seated and tightened. Repeat the steps to reassemble if needed.
Make Adjustments
Once everything is reassembled, turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks. If any connections are still leaking, tighten them further with a wrench or pliers.
Test the water temperature to make sure it's at the desired level. If the water is too hot or cold, adjust the hot and cold water handles until the temperature is right. The hot water should be set to a maximum of 120°F to avoid scalding.
Check the water pressure by turning the faucet on fully. If the flow seems too weak, the supply valves may need adjustment. Turn the supply valves counterclockwise to increase water flow and clockwise to decrease it. Find a good balance for normal usage.
Make sure both the hot and cold water supplies are turned on. The flow should smoothly transition from hot to cold between the handles. If not, debris may be trapped in the faucet cartridge, requiring disassembly again to clean it out.
Finally, test out the sprayer hose if you have one. Make sure there are no kinks and that it retracts smoothly. Adjust the sprayer head settings if needed.
The faucet adjustments allow you to customize water temperature and pressure. Take the time to tweak them so the faucet performs just the way you want.
Clean Up
After successfully repairing the leaky faucet, it's time to clean up the area. Be sure to wipe away any water that may have leaked out during the repair process. Use a dry rag or paper towels to thoroughly dry the sink area and underneath the sink cabinet. Check for any drips or moisture that may have spread. Leaving standing water can lead to water damage over time.
It's also important to return all tools and parts to their proper places. Properly store any tools you used like wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. Double check that you haven't left any small parts or hardware sitting out. Carefully organize all of the faucet parts and pieces that you removed. Discard any worn washers, o-rings, or screws. Having a clean workspace helps ensure you don't lose any important items.
Taking a few minutes to fully clean up after a faucet repair will help prevent water damage and keep your tools organized for next time. A clean sink area also means you successfully fixed that annoying leak!
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky faucet yourself can seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and preparation it can be a straightforward DIY project. This guide has walked through the step-by-step process of diagnosing the leak, disassembling the faucet, cleaning or replacing worn parts, and reassembling the hardware.
To recap, start by assessing the type of leak and locating the source. Shut off the main water supply lines before beginning disassembly. Remove the faucet handle, crown, spout, valve bodies, seats and springs, inspecting each part for wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace any faulty washers, O-rings, or cartridges. Thoroughly clean all parts, and reassemble in reverse order. Restore water supply and test for leaks. Make any needed adjustments to stop drips.
While many minor faucet repairs can be completed by a handy homeowner, it's best to contact a professional plumber for more complex issues. Signs you may need pro help include difficulty isolating the leak, corroded or damaged internal parts, outdated fixtures, or a faucet whose disassembly proves too challenging. The cost of a plumber is likely cheaper than having to replace the entire faucet due to a mistake. When in doubt, call for assistance to ensure the job is done right.
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