
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. ...
What to do if outdoor faucet leaking from hole in STEM?
Outdoor faucet leaking from hole in stem If the faucet leaks from around the handle just when the water is turned on, your stem packing may be leaking. In some cases you can fix this by simply tightening the retaining nut that’s under the handle.
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.
How to replace faucet stem?
What Are Stem Faucets (And How Do I Identify Them)?
- What are Faucet Stems?
- The Difference Between Stem & Cartridge
- What are Stem Faucets? 1. Seat-And-Washer Stem Faucets 2. Diaphragm Stem Faucets 3. Cartridge Stem Faucets
- Repairing Stem Faucets
- Final Thoughts
- Related Resources
- Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Can you fix a leaky faucet cartridge?
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. All you need is a few simple tools. Read this guide to learn how to fix leaks and drips yourself by replacing the faucet cartridge.
How do you repack a faucet stem?
0:2511:30Fix Leaking Sink - Repack A Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you're going to want to do is grab pliers this is a slip joint pliers that works really goodMoreSo what you're going to want to do is grab pliers this is a slip joint pliers that works really good for getting these off.
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.
How do you replace a bathroom faucet stem?
0:092:06Bathroom Repair : How to Repair Stem Plumbing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis particular one the stem all screws in is one pleat piece now on some of them there'll be aMoreThis particular one the stem all screws in is one pleat piece now on some of them there'll be a small lock nut that can be removed. And then the cartridge simply pulls out now to actually repair.
What is stem packing?
Valve stem packing is a self forming packing material. It forms to all surfaces and irregularities such as scratches and pits. It is made from 100% virgin PTFE and has a high tensile strength. The products are self lubricating and eliminates valve stem wear.
What is a packing nut on a faucet?
A nut is a small piece of metal hardware, often hexagonal in shape, with a threaded hole in the center. A packing nut is a nut that is threaded onto a plumbing shaft. Its purpose is to hold packing in place, thereby creating a tight seal in the plumbing. Faucet leaks are often caused by loose packing nuts.
How do you replace a valve stem on a faucet?
0:455:29Faucet stem repair and replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll need to unscrew the top cap and pop out the stem. A few brass stems need to be removed thisMoreYou'll need to unscrew the top cap and pop out the stem. A few brass stems need to be removed this way as well.
How do I identify a faucet stem?
0:154:46The Difference Between a Faucet Stem and Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you identify them first some of the faucets that you have to get the handles. Off would have aMoreAnd you identify them first some of the faucets that you have to get the handles. Off would have a set screw probably up here in the handle this one's. Different.
What does a faucet stem look like?
0:172:48What is a faucet stem and why would I need to replace it? Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe cartridge or stem is basically all the moving parts with inside this faucet it tells how big theMoreThe cartridge or stem is basically all the moving parts with inside this faucet it tells how big the openings are how much hot water how much cold water and allows you to change the temperature.
Can you repair a 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 remove a water valve stem?
0:577:15How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn these anytime you look at these handles you realize they have to be attached somehow to get atMoreOn these anytime you look at these handles you realize they have to be attached somehow to get at the screw you have to pry off the index from the end.
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 I fix my faucet packing?
Older faucets may have a wad of string, called valve packing, instead of a packing washer. If so, pick up new packing (graphite-coated string) at the hardware store, unwind the old packing and wind on the new clockwise. The packing nut should compress it tightly.
How do you repack a sink valve?
3:306:14Fix Shut Off Valve Leaking at Stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOpen then turn the pecking that fully counterclockwise. And slide it up against the handle of theMoreOpen then turn the pecking that fully counterclockwise. And slide it up against the handle of the valve wrap the pecking rope around the stem of the valve. About two times the packing nut clockwise.
How do you pack a water valve?
0:022:31How to Fix a Leaky Shut-Off Valve | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust wrap it around and it should be soft enough that it. Can form itself into the gasket.MoreJust wrap it around and it should be soft enough that it. Can form itself into the gasket.
Can you repack a valve under pressure?
The simple answer is: NO! Repacking a valve which is under pressure can cause personal injury and/or property damage, and should never be done. Repacking a valve is part of routine maintenance. Valve packing forms a pressure seal to keep the process media (water, steam, other) from leaking.
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.
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.

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...