
How to Repair a Leaking Faucet Stem
- Turn off the Water Supply. Locate the shut-off the valve located under the sink, behind the faucet assembly or behind a panel. ...
- Drain the Water. To ensure no water drips off to the floor during repairs, drain the water from the water supply lines.
- Detach the Faucet Handle. ...
- Remove the Stem. ...
- Replace the Washer and Stem. ...
- Turn on the Water Supply. ...
How do you repair a leaking faucet?
- The first step is to remove the faucet spout. ...
- Use a utility knife to score the sealant where the spout and bathtub wall meet for easier removal.
- Remove the length of pipe, called a pipe nipple, with a wrench.
- Wrap the threads of both ends of the nipple with plumber’s tape or Teflon tape.
- Install the nipple into the 90-degree elbow pipe within the wall. ...
How do you fix an outdoor faucet leak?
How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet
- Figure out where the faucet is leaking. It may be the washer or it could be the faucet itself. ...
- If the faucet cap is tight and the water is coming from the faucet you will need to replace the washer.
- Outside, open the tap and allow any water in the tap to drain out.
Why is my outdoor faucet leaking from the top?
Troubleshooting an Outdoor Faucet that Is Leaking
- Fastener. Examining the outdoor faucet to determine where the leaking water is coming from will be necessary to help you find the cause.
- Damaged Pipe. If the outdoor faucet is in the form of a stand pipe, you will be able to examine the full extent of it to determine whether the stem ...
- Faucet. ...
- Cleaning. ...
How to repair a leaky kitchen faucet?
PUT IT BACK:
- Replace the 2 O-rings on the copper base of your faucet and lube them up.
- Slide your spout back over the copper base
- Insert your new cartridge and turn it with the white tool to line it up properly (see video)
- When lined up, it will allow you to slide in the metal clip that holds in cartridge - don't forget to also put back on the small metal washer

How do you fix a leaky plastic stem faucet?
1:433:02How to Replace Leaky Cartridges in a Bathroom Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse the pliers to pull on the stem. Now soak up the water in the faucet. Shank. First align the tabMoreUse the pliers to pull on the stem. Now soak up the water in the faucet. Shank. First align the tab on the new cartridge to the slot on the faucet.
Can you fix a leaky faucet cartridge?
The cartridge is a plastic piece in the faucet that controls water flow. Worn cartridges or rubber O rings often lead to leaks. By swapping in replacement parts, your faucet won't leak at the base or around the handles anymore. Replacing a faucet cartridge is a plumbing fix you can do in less than an hour.
Why does my faucet drip when the water is turned 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 I make my faucet stop dripping?
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.
How do I identify my faucet cartridge?
0:063:20Quick Ways to Identify the Brand and Manufacturer for Faucet RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother quick tip is to look underneath the sink because sometimes you might be able to find a labelMoreAnother quick tip is to look underneath the sink because sometimes you might be able to find a label that's attached to a supply line that will tell you the manufacturer.
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 stop a dripping faucet temporarily?
A temporary fix can easily be accomplished by tying a string around the faucet, making sure the string goes around the aerator or over the faucet spout. Then, let the end of the string hang down to the sink. The string will collect the dripping water and funnel it quietly down the drain.
Can you change a faucet without turning the water off?
Whenever you're installing a sink, you also have to install a faucet, and you can't do that if the water is running. As a matter of fact, you can't even take off the old faucet until you turn off the water.
Why does my faucet continue to run after I turn it off?
If the water still runs after shut off, it's most likely because of a problem with the seal. This occurs from issues with the hardware inside the faucet.
What tool is used in repairing a leaking 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.
Can you clean a faucet cartridge?
1:472:55How to Clean a Kitchen Faucet Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet the water run for about three or four seconds. This will flush out any debris trapped in theMoreLet the water run for about three or four seconds. This will flush out any debris trapped in the faucet or in the water line. Once.
Are all faucet cartridges the same?
Today, most brands have their own specifications and parts. Now there is variance in stems (cartridges), valves, and splines. Because of this, you will need to know how to identify the brand of your faucet before you can fix it. Knowing what you're working with makes it easier to disassemble and fix.
How do you change a single faucet cartridge?
0:402:56How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Cartridge 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 you replace a single handle bathroom faucet cartridge?
2:133:54Repair and Replace (Single Handle | Moen | Bathroom Faucet) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a wrench to twist back and forth to loosen the cartridge. Now use the pliers to pull theMoreUse a wrench to twist back and forth to loosen the cartridge. Now use the pliers to pull the cartridge straight out of the valve.
Why does my faucet leak?
Stem-type faucets usually leak due to issues in the faucet stem. Some stems are threaded to the faucet assembly, so in order to repair the leak, the stem has to be removed to inspect it for possible damage. For loose thread, stem or washer problem, here is a guide on how to fix the issue.
Do you have to replace a washer stem?
If the stem is to be replaced, the washer has to be replaced as well to ensure that the faucet does not leak due to a faulty or worn out washer. Take the washer and stem to a local plumbing supply store to obtain the correct replacement parts.
How To Fix a Faucet Leaking from Stem
Before you get started, we recommend turning off the water at the shutoff valve located under the sink. Make sure no more water is coming out of the faucet before you begin.
Final Thoughts: Faucet Leaking From Stem
A steady, slow drip from the spout of a stem faucet signals the need for a new washer (O-ring) or packing. But with modest to intermediate plumbing skills (of the do-it-yourself variety!), this is a leak that you can fix yourself.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help fixing a faucet leaking from its stem.

Step 1 – Turn Off The Water Supply
Step 2 – Drain The Water
Step 3 – Detach The Faucet Handle
- Every handle is secured to the faucet with a screw. Locate the screw and loosen it with a screwdriver. If the screw is hidden by a cap, pry off the cap using the flat edge of the screwdriver. If the screw is corroded and hard to remove, apply some penetrating oil and wait for a few minutes. When the screw is removed, pull off the handle.
Step 4 – Remove The Stem
- Use a crescent wrench to remove the locknut fastening the stem in place. As soon as the locknut is removed, the stem can also be pulled out of the faucet. If the faucet stem is threaded to the assembly, turn it counterclockwise with a wrench until it disengages. Locate the rubber washer at the bottom of the stem. This may be secured using a small screw. Use a small screwdriver to lo…
Step 5 – Replace The Washer and Stem
- If the stem is to be replaced, the washer has to be replaced as well to ensure that the faucet does not leak due to a faulty or worn out washer. Take the washer and stem to a local plumbing supply store to obtain the correct replacement parts. Install the washer to the stem. Position it into the faucet assembly and hand-tighten it first to ensure t...