How To Fix a Leaky Faucet

Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet is one of the easiest plumbing repairs you can do as a homeowner, but that doesn’t mean that you can just wing it without the proper tools or plan in place to repair it successfully. Before starting any plumbing job gather tools like an adjustable wrench, standard size screwdrivers (both Philips and flathead), pipe thread tape, plumber’s grease, and some old towels or cloths in case of water leakage. Once you get the faucet apart you may need to replace internal parts like O-rings and washers as well, but there’s no need to get these ahead of time without knowing whether you’ll need them. 

To stop a leaking faucet, you’ll want to turn off the water and stop up the drain. Laying down a cloth inside your sink is also helpful to avoid scratching the sink with tools as you’re working. Then, you’ll remove the handle to access the cartridge or valve (the one you have will depend on the faucet model). To remove the handle, use a screwdriver to take the cap off the faucet handle if it has one and then remove the screw to release the handle. You may want to take pictures as you go through each step, so you remember what it looks like to make reassembly easier at the end.

Depending on the type of faucet you have you will either see a cartridge or valve that you will need to detach by removing any nuts, retaining clips, or screws holding it in place with your adjustable wrench. If you have a cartridge faucet you will want to replace the old cartridge at this point with a new one following the manufacturer’s instructions for that specific faucet and using Teflon pipe tape where necessary. If you have a compression faucet, check the O-ring and/or washers for signs of wear. If any of these components look cracked or misshapen or feel brittle, it’s time to replace them. Ensure that the replacement parts you get are the right size for your particular faucet and then use plumber’s grease when putting the faucet back together. Reassemble the faucet reversing the steps you took earlier to disassemble it, tightening (but not overtightening!) as you go. Reattach the handle cover, if you have one, and then turn on the water and test the faucet.

If the leak is fixed, clean up your area and congratulate yourself on a job well done! If the leak persists, call a local plumber to come out and take a look. It’s possible that something else is wrong with your faucet or that the repair requires something that you don’t have access to but that a plumber will have available. 

Additional Resources:
How Hard is DIY Faucet Repair?
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Explanation of Leaky Faucet Repair Costs
Is It Expensive to Fix Broken Faucets?
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Possible Reasons for a Leaky Shower Faucet
Important Facts About Kitchen Faucet Replacement Options
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Professional Tips for Shower Faucet Repair
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Expert Tips on Leaky Tub Faucet Fixes
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