Repairing Guides

how to repair a leaky faucet

by Lenora Lemke I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Tighten retaining nut. If you're lucky, you can fix your leaking faucet by simply tightening the nut under the handle. Don't crank it hard, though.
  • Remove the stem. Next, remove the faucet stem. It's easier if you reinstall the handle temporarily so you'll have something to grip.
  • Replace washer assembly. Keep track of the parts as you disassemble the faucet so you can install the new ones in the same order.
  • Remove the vacuum breaker cap. Pop off the vacuum breaker cap to access the parts underneath. Pry from both sides with a pair of screwdrivers.
  • Vacuum breaker parts. Unscrew the retainer and pull out the vacuum breaker. You may be able to fix the leak by simply cleaning the parts and reinstalling them.

Part of a video titled How To Fix A Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet
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First 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.

Full Answer

How to fix a dripping Moen faucet for free?

Turn off Water to the Faucet

  • Duck under the bathroom sink and look for 2 oval-shaped knobs connected to water supply houses. Those are the cold and hot water shut off valves.
  • To turn off water to the faucet, turn the two valves all the clockwise.
  • Open the faucet to drain the water already in the hoses.
  • Plug off the sink drain opening. ...

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 repair a leaking outside faucet?

  • First, start by tightening the retainer nut to see if that fixes the problem. ...
  • Once the retaining nut is gone, remove the pipe stem and inspect the material for any cracks or deformities. ...
  • If the faucet stem seems to have integrity, inspect the washer assembly unit on the end of the stem. ...

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How do you fix a leaky Peerless kitchen faucet?

How to Repair a Side-Lever Kitchen Faucet

  1. Turn off the shut-off valves under the sink before you begin. Open the faucet to let out water and relieve pressure.
  2. Remove the handle. You may have to pry off a cap with a flat-head screwdriver to access the Phillips screw holding it.
  3. Unscrew the collar around the valve, if there is one, with adjustable pliers. ...

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Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?

If you notice your bathroom sink drips or leaks out of the faucet head when turned off, there is likely an issue with the seal inside the faucet head, allowing the water to run through or drip. Before calling a professional plumber, consider whether you're able to repair the leak in your bathroom sink yourself.

How do I fix a dripping kitchen faucet?

1:023:00How to Fix A Dripping or Leaky Single Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAdd a little plumbers grease and replace the spout put new seats on new spring. And put them back inMoreAdd a little plumbers grease and replace the spout put new seats on new spring. And put them back in place replace.

Can a dripping faucet be repaired?

Fixing a leaky faucet is quick and inexpensive; even the most amateur DIYer can tackle this task. 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.

How do you fix a dripping kitchen faucet with two handles?

0:424:49How to Repair a Leaky Two-Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you determine the trouble stem you'll need to turn off the water. Next remove the handle with aMoreOnce you determine the trouble stem you'll need to turn off the water. Next remove the handle with a Philips head screwdriver. So that the stem is visible.

Where is cartridge on kitchen faucet?

0:352:55How to Clean a Kitchen Faucet Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUnder your sink.MoreUnder your sink.

Why is my kitchen faucet dripping?

The typical causes for a leaky faucet include corrosion, mineral deposit on the internal parts, or defective gaskets, o-rings, or washers. Luckily, most faucets that leak can be fixed by homeowners if they have the right tools and some basic knowledge of plumbing.

What tools do I need to fix a leaky faucet?

You'll probably need an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Buy a set of small Allen wrenches and you'll be prepared for all kinds of leaking faucets. Most repairs also require screwdrivers and a pair of large slip-joint pliers.

How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad?

Signs that a cartridge faucet needs repair are water dripping from the spout, difficulty in adjusting the water temperature, hot water entering cold water outlets like toilet supply lines and inadequately heated water at some faucets.

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.

How do you fix a leaky faucet with one handle?

0:182:44Repairing a Leaky Single Handle Ball-Type Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink next. You willMoreFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink next. You will need to remove the single lever handle. This may require using an Allen wrench to loosen the handle.

How do I fix a leaky faucet?

To fix a leaky faucet, first turn off the water to your faucet by twisting the valve under the sink. If there’s no valve, turn off the water supply for your whole house. Turn the faucet on to empty any water in the pipes, and plug the drain so nothing falls down it while you’re working.

How do I know what type of faucet I have?

Determine what type of faucet you have. 1 A ball faucet contains a ball bearing. 2 A cartridge faucet contains a cartridge. The materials of the cartridge will vary, but handle often has a decorative cap. 3 A ceramic-disk faucet contains a ceramic cylinder.

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 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 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 to replace O-ring on a sink?

Pull the handle cartridge up and out of the sink. Use a cloth to wipe down all of the loose parts and the area around the handle. If the O-ring looks old or damaged, replace it. Get a matching replacement for the old cartridge, then insert the new cartridge back into the sink.

Can a leaky faucet cause high water bills?

The annoying drip of a leaky faucet can cause higher water bills and irritation. Fortunately, it's easy to fix yourself if you can identify the type of faucet and get the necessary tools for the job.

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.

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.

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