
- Clear any rust, wax or caulk from around the base.
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. ...
- Remove the stem and install a new one in the fitting using new bolts. ...
- If the bathtub faucet is still dripping after replacing the handle, washer and stem, you may need to replace the entire bathtub spout.
Full Answer
How to fix a leaking bathtub faucet quick and easy?
- Clear any rust, wax or caulk from around the base.
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. ...
- Remove the stem and install a new one in the fitting using new bolts. ...
- If the bathtub faucet is still dripping after replacing the handle, washer and stem, you may need to replace the entire bathtub spout.
How do you fix a leaking bathroom sink faucet?
Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Fixing a Two-Handle Delta Faucet
- Confirm that the leak is at either the handle or spout. If your two-handled cartridge-style faucet is dripping from the spout, it’s likely due to faulty rubber O-rings.
- Close one supply line to see if it’s a hot or cold water leak. ...
- Shut off both supply lines and open both taps to drain them. ...
How to repair a Moen two handle bathroom faucet?
Remove the Faucet Handle
- Remove the handle adapter. This is the piece connected to the cartridge using a Philips screw. ...
- Lift off the flange. It is decorative piece that you only need to lift off.
- Unscrew the plastic ring. It could be hand-tight but sometimes you may need to use a wrench to loosen it.
How do I repair a Moen bathroom faucet?
Equipment and Tools
- Moen cartridge
- Flat screwdriver
- Rubber wrench
- Pliers
- Silicone grease
What is the stem on a faucet?
How many handles does a compression faucet have?
What is the difference between a ball and a cartridge faucet?
How to get water cartridge to stand up?
How to remove seat washer from car?
Can you replace the O ring on an outdoor faucet?
Can a leaky handle be repaired?
See 4 more topics
About this website

How do you fix a dripping bathroom faucet?
0:011:51How to Fix a Bathroom Faucet Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPry off the screw covers on the top of the faucet handles and remove the set screws and handles.MorePry off the screw covers on the top of the faucet handles and remove the set screws and handles. Remove any collars holding the cartridges in place. Grasp the stems with your hand or pliers.
How do you fix a leaking bathroom faucet with two handles?
1:382:54How To Fix A Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst take off the handle. Then unscrew the valve stem on the stem remove the old gasket screw. AndMoreFirst take off the handle. Then unscrew the valve stem on the stem remove the old gasket screw. And seat washer. Apply some plumbers grease.
Why does my bathroom faucet keep dripping?
The most common sources of a leaking faucet – a worn out washer or gasket, a loose O ring, corrosion in the valve seat – can be detected and fixed easily with most faucet repair kits.
Why does my faucet leak after I turn it off?
If your faucet is dripping water after it is shut off, this may be indicative of a loose or damaged seat washer. Issues with washers is common in sink faucets leaking. The seat washer screw can become loose from repeated use, causing the faucet to drip water or chatter.
How do you remove a two handle faucet cartridge?
1:253:02How to Replace Leaky Cartridges in a Bathroom Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a crescent wrench to remove the bonnet nut from the cartridge. Once the nut is off remove theMoreUse a crescent wrench to remove the bonnet nut from the cartridge. Once the nut is off remove the cartridge if you need extra leverage. Use the pliers to pull on the stem.
How do you fix a leaky faucet stem?
0:121:48How to Repair a Leaky Faucet Stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need aMoreMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need a crescent wrench or a pair of pliers. Once. You have the stem removed.
Where is the O ring on a faucet?
0:251:34Leaky Faucet Base – O-Ring Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe o-rings should be easy to see and locate there are at least one or two o-rings that there couldMoreThe o-rings should be easy to see and locate there are at least one or two o-rings that there could be even three or four remove. Each oring using a flathead screwdriver or needle nose pliers.
Can you change a bathroom faucet without turning off water?
If you are really just replacing the handle - which is really items 1-4 (and sometimes 5-6 or sometimes 5-6 don't exist) - then no you do not need to turn off the water.
Why is my water still running after main shut off?
There may be a hidden plumbing leak in the walls of your home, or maybe your toilet is running when it's not in use. These “hidden” leaks can cause your home to be using water even when your main water valve is turned off.
5 Reasons Your Faucet Is Dripping Water & How To Fix It
5 Causes of Leaky Faucets. There are many more causes of leaky faucets than you might think. Here are the main five causes: A Damaged Cartridge. If you have a faucet with two handles, one for hot water and the other for cold, then you have a cartridge-style faucet.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet - 5 Easy Steps to Fix a Faucet
Fix a Leaky Faucet. Step 1: Don’t make a mess worse by transforming your broken faucet into Old Faithful.Before applying any wrench or screwdriver to your fixture, make sure your water supply is ...
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet - The Home Depot
How you remove the faucet handle depends on your faucet type.. If there is a set screw behind the handle, insert a hex key or Allen wrench into the screw and turn it to remove. If the handle has a top screw cover, pry it off with a flat screwdriver and set aside.
How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Double-Handle Faucet
Learn how to repair three types of double-handle faucets: ceramic disc, compression/reverse-compression and cartridge.
Repairing Different Types of Faucets
Keep in mind that some cartridge bodies and ceramic disc bodies/cylinders can look similar. In most cases, the cartridge body doesn't have moving parts. The ceramic disc body/cylinder does have moving parts that pivot to open the ports on the bottom.
Locate the Leak
Determine which side of your faucet is leaking by shutting off the water supply valves one at a time. If the leak doesn’t stop after the first valve is turned off, it’s the other line that’s leaking.
Ceramic Disc Faucets
This type of faucet uses a cylinder with tiny discs on the bottom that control water flow. The most successful repair typically replaces the entire cylinder.
Compression & Reverse-Compression Faucets
In this repair, you’ll replace the washer and O-ring or gasket on the valve stem, as well as the valve seat in the faucet.
Aerator
After reassembling your faucet, run the water for a few minutes to clear debris from the new parts. Replace the aerator.
How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Single-Handle Faucet
Learn to repair three types of single-handle faucets: ball, cartridge and ceramic disc.
What is the stem on a faucet?
Underneath, you will find the stem, which sits on top of the O-ring, which sits on top of a seat washer. The seat washer is usually made of rubber, which can get worn out after a while. If your faucet is dripping, this is mostly likely the culprit.
How many handles does a compression faucet have?
A compression faucet has two screw handles, one for hot and one for cold, and is the easiest to recognize by sight. The other three types of faucet all have one central, swiveling arm that you can swing from hot to cold as desired.
What is the difference between a ball and a cartridge faucet?
You may have to take your faucet apart before you know which is which, because the internal mechanisms at the base of their arms are all different: A ball faucet contains a ball bearing. A cartridge faucet contains a cartridge. The materials of the cartridge will vary, but handle often has a decorative cap.
How to get water cartridge to stand up?
Pull the cartridge so that it stands straight up. This is the position the cartridge sits in when the water is on full blast.
How to remove seat washer from car?
Pull out the stem. This will expose the O-ring, which will be thinner, and seat washer, which will be thicker.
Can you replace the O ring on an outdoor faucet?
Replace the O-ring inside of it, it's probably very old. If that doesn't work you can actually get a valve that goes over top of your outdoor faucet that is fail safe.
Can a leaky handle be repaired?
Reassemble the handle. The leak should now be repaired.
How to stop a faucet from leaking?
Investigate the cap and adjusting ring by taking a good look. If the faucet seems to be leaking from there, try tightening the adjusting ring with needle-nose pliers. If that doesn’t stop the leak, you’ll need to replace the faucet’s seats and springs.
How long does water run in a faucet?
The water needs to run for one minute. For kitchen & bathroom faucets, be sure to put a bucket upside down over top of the faucet in order to direct the water down to the sink, or water will spray everywhere. Turn the water off at the supply lines again before re-assembling. 8.
Do you need an adjusting ring for a faucet?
Depending on the age of your faucet, you may not have an adjusting ring. For those with newer faucets that don’t contain adjusting rings, please skip this step. If you have an older faucet with an adjusting ring, it will not be needed after the repair if the cam/packing is replaced.
What causes a faucet to leak?
Worn rubber washers, seals or gaskets in the valve assem bly cause most leaks. Here we'll show you how to fix a stem-type valve, which is common in older, two-handle faucets (separate hot and cold). We won't cover single-handle faucets here.
How to remove a stem from a bath tub?
Slide the bath socket onto the stem bonnet and turn it counterclockwise to break the stem loose. If it sticks, soak it with penetrating lubricant. Unscrew and remove the stem.
Why does my seat washer leak?
Leaks usually occur for two reasons. Over time, the seat washer stiffens and won't seal tightly. And water pressure gradually erodes the brass rim of the seat. Replace the seat using a special seat wrench. Press the seat wrench firmly into the center of the seat.
Is it cheaper to fix a leaky faucet or a plumber?
The entire job, with special tools, may set you back a bit of cash, but doing it yourself is a lot cheaper than hiring a plumber, and usually much cheaper and easier than tearing out the old faucet and installing a new one.
What to do if your faucet is leaking?
The first thing to do when you realize that you have a leaky faucet is investigate the source of the leak. If the water is dripping from the spout, that's a pretty clear sign that the internal valve isn't shutting off the water completely, and the faucet cartridge needs to be replaced.
How long does it take to fix a leaky bathroom faucet?
With the right tools and parts, a faucet repair can be completed in just a few minutes by most homeowners, even those with little or no plumbing experience. By doing the work yourself, you will save money on the cost of a plumber and stop that annoying drip in less than an hour.
Why is my faucet running down the base?
This can be caused by a loose or faulty aerator or even by a small pinhole in the spout. If all looks good and the problem is not a leaky faucet spout, then the problem could be a loose retaining nut under the dome cap. Remove the faucet handle and the dome cap and check to make sure the nut is tight.
Why is my faucet dripping?
Remove the faucet handle and the dome cap and check to make sure the nut is tight. This type of leak could also be caused by a faulty cartridge, which is also the cause of a dripping faucet.
Why is there water under my faucet?
The solution is the same for either problem: replace the cartridge. If there is water coming from under the single-handle faucet beneath the sink or counter, it could be caused by a variety of problems, including a leaky or faulty supply line or supply line nut . It can also be that the rubber or plastic gasket under the faucet is cracked or faulty, ...
How to remove a cartridge from a faucet?
The cartridges in some faucets may be held in place with a clip. (Moen is one brand that uses them.) You can remove the clip by pulling with a pair of tongue-and- groove or needle-nose pliers. Once the clip is removed or if your faucet doesn't have a clip, lift the cartridge straight up from the faucet to remove it. If it is difficult to remove, you can pull it with a pair of pliers or with a specialty tool called a cartridge puller.
How to remove a retaining nut from a faucet?
Some faucets have a decorative collar or cap over the retaining nut. If your faucet has a collar, turn it counterclockwise by hand to remove it. You can use an adjustable wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers to remove the collar if it is tight.
Shut Off the Water
The type of faucet in your kitchen or bathroom may be a single or double handle, has a modern pull-down wand design or is a twisting ball faucet on your shower or tub. Before you begin to fix a dripping faucet, your first step is to shut off the water supply.
Remove the Cartridge or Stem
The faucet cartridge or faucet stem is found in most two-handled kitchen and bathroom faucet styles. This is the part that regulates the flow of hot and cold water.
Install New Cartridge
Now that you’ve inspected the cartridge or stem and identified it as the source of your dripping kitchen faucet or bathroom faucet leak, you’ll have to replace it.
Reattach Faucet Handle
Once you’ve installed the new cartridge or stem, return to the previous steps and reattach the faucet handle. Turn your water line back on and remove any debris or towels from your sink.
What is the stem on a faucet?
Underneath, you will find the stem, which sits on top of the O-ring, which sits on top of a seat washer. The seat washer is usually made of rubber, which can get worn out after a while. If your faucet is dripping, this is mostly likely the culprit.
How many handles does a compression faucet have?
A compression faucet has two screw handles, one for hot and one for cold, and is the easiest to recognize by sight. The other three types of faucet all have one central, swiveling arm that you can swing from hot to cold as desired.
What is the difference between a ball and a cartridge faucet?
You may have to take your faucet apart before you know which is which, because the internal mechanisms at the base of their arms are all different: A ball faucet contains a ball bearing. A cartridge faucet contains a cartridge. The materials of the cartridge will vary, but handle often has a decorative cap.
How to get water cartridge to stand up?
Pull the cartridge so that it stands straight up. This is the position the cartridge sits in when the water is on full blast.
How to remove seat washer from car?
Pull out the stem. This will expose the O-ring, which will be thinner, and seat washer, which will be thicker.
Can you replace the O ring on an outdoor faucet?
Replace the O-ring inside of it, it's probably very old. If that doesn't work you can actually get a valve that goes over top of your outdoor faucet that is fail safe.
Can a leaky handle be repaired?
Reassemble the handle. The leak should now be repaired.
