Tips On How To Fix A Faucet That Leaks
There’s nothing as frustrating as dripping water from a leaky faucet. The slow yet gradual dripping sound from the leaking faucet is irritating and problematic. Thus, you might like to fix the leaky faucet as soon as possible.
But calling a professional isn’t an affordable option since it will cost your additional charge. Fortunately, we have suggestions on how to fix a faucet that leaks.
You will learn fixing tips for a compression faucet and cartridge faucet in today’s article.
How To Fix A Faucet That Leaks
Most homes equip with either cartridge or compression faucets. The following guideline shows the ways to fix the leaks on both these water spouts.
You will need:
- A flathead screwdriver
- Pliers set
- Allen wrench
- O-ring seal or washers
- Faucet replacement kit
Cartridge faucet leak fixing:
Cartridge spout is the most common faucet type at home. It can be single or double-handed. Inside the spout, you will see a plastic cartridge. It controls the water flow as you turn on and off the valve. The good thing is you can fix the leaks of the cartridge faucet without any plumbing expertise.
The process will need approximately one hour for completion. Its step includes-
- Carefully, remove the decorative cap from the top of the handle. Make sure you don’t damage it while prying off the faucet handle.
- Use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Once you have removed the screws, you should tilt the handle. When the handle loosens, remove it.
- In most cases, a retaining clip with a threaded design will hold the cartridge in its place. Use the plier to remove the threaded clip. After that, using a bit of your force, pull off the cartridge. You may wear gloves for safety as they may cut your hands.
- Also, you can use the Allen wrench to remove the Allen screw and then pry off the threaded retainer clip to remove the cartridge from its location.
- When the cartridge comes out, inspect the faucet parts to fix the problem. In most cases, a worn-out O-seal or washer is the cause of leaks. So, remove the O-seal rings with a new one. But for this, you will need to go one step forward.
- Use the pliers set to remove the water spout. Then access the old O-ring and replace it with a new one. Also, inspect if there’s anything else that’s causing the leak.
- Then, replace the cartridge. Ensure that your new cartridge matches the length of the old one. You can follow the user manual of the cartridge replacement kit for a quick and effective replacement. The stem length also needs to match the old stem for a perfect fit.
Once done, reassemble the faucet and turn it in to see if it still leaks or works properly.
Fixing tips for a compression faucet:
A compression faucet has a stem, handle, O-ring seal, and a seat washer. Depending on the reason for the leak, you may need to replace one or all of these parts of the spout.
Loosen the faucet stem using an adjustable wrench once you have removed the decorative cap and the handle. Before that, remove the packing nut with a crescent wrench. Then access the O-ring and the washer seat underneath the O-ring.
Check them and replace the seat washer and O-ring if need be. Then, apply plumbers grease on the washer and reassemble the entire setup. Also, at times the retainer may get damaged and needs replacement.
So, inspect every part of the faucet and take necessary fixing steps to eliminate the problem.
Final Words
Although many people think it is difficult to fix a faucet that leaks, it is a pretty easy DIY process. Just make sure you have the right screwdriver, wrench, and pliers set to complete the leak fixation. It will save you a good amount and give you immense pleasure when you find water dripping has stopped from the leaky faucet.
For any sort of professional help, Please contact Ranchocucamonga Plumbing Solution.