If a leaky faucet has been driving you nuts, you’re not alone. These days, faucets are designed to be more durable and reliable than ever before, but when one does break down it can be a real hassle to fix.
Luckily for you—and for all those other water-wasting individuals out there—there are lots of ways to tackle this issue without having to call in the pros (or even get your hands dirty)! below we’ll give some tips on how to get started with each one:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Fixing a leaky faucet can be done in five minutes or less. |
| Start by turning off the water supply to the faucet. |
| Remove the faucet handle to access the cartridge or valve. |
| Inspect the cartridge or valve for any damage or debris. |
| Replace any worn-out parts, such as O-rings or washers. |
| Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply. |
| Test the faucet for any leaks and make necessary adjustments. |
| Regular maintenance can help prevent future leaks. |
| If the issue persists or the faucet is more complex, consider seeking professional assistance. |
1. Replace The O-Ring
An O-ring is a small piece of rubber, usually circular in shape and with a tiny hole in the middle. It seals water faucets to prevent them from leaking.
If your faucet is leaking around the area where it connects to your sink or bathtub, this could be caused by an old or worn-out O-ring. If so, you’ll need to replace it before you can stop the leak completely.
Here’s how: First remove any excess debris from around where your faucet meets its base plate (this will make it easier for you when replacing).
Then remove any screws holding together these two pieces using either Allen keys or flathead screwdrivers if necessary–you’ll find them at most hardware stores; just make sure they’re compatible with whatever size screws are on your particular fixture!
Once done removing everything that needs taking off (it should look like this), flip over onto its side so we can get access underneath where our leak was coming from earlier today?
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2. Replace The Ball
The ball is what connects your faucet to its spout and controls how much water comes out. If you have a leaking faucet, chances are it’s because the ball has become worn out or broken and needs replacing.
To replace a ball, first turn off your water supply line by turning off its main valve (usually located near where it enters into your house).
Then remove any screws that hold together the two parts of your faucet (usually one screw on each side). Next, take off any caps that cover up holes in which screws go through–you’ll want those accessible when reassembling things later on!
Finally, gently pull apart these two pieces until they come completely loose from each other; then simply flip them over so that now only one half remains with all its pieces intact (this will be called “Part 1” below).
| Ball Brand | Compatible Faucet Brands |
|---|---|
| Delta | Delta, Peerless |
| Kohler | Kohler |
| Price Pfister | Price Pfister |
| American Standard | American Standard |
| Moen | Moen |
| Glacier Bay | Glacier Bay |
Note: The table above provides a list of commonly used ball brands and the compatible faucet brands they are designed to work with. When replacing the ball in your faucet, ensure compatibility to ensure proper functionality.
3. Replace The Bonnet Washer
If you have a leaking faucet and the bonnet washer is worn out, you can replace it in just a few minutes.
- What is a bonnet washer?
A bonnet washer is a small O-ring that sits between the handle and body of your faucet. It helps seal out water when you turn on or off your faucet, so if yours has been worn down over time by use and age, then it may be time for an upgrade!
- How do I install my new bonnet washer?
- Remove any remaining old parts from inside of your handle (you should be able to see through all openings). 2) Insert new part into place 3) Reassemble everything
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4. Replace The Cartridge
To replace the cartridge, you’ll first need to identify it. If you can see water leaking from under the handle or spout, then it’s likely that there is a problem with this part of your faucet.
To find out for sure, turn off both hot and cold water valves at their source (usually located under or near your sink).
You may also want to turn off any other nearby faucets so that all water supply lines are closed off before removing anything from your plumbing system.
Remove old cartridges by turning them counterclockwise with pliers until they loosen up enough for removal.
Replacing the Cartridge
| Cartridge Brand | Compatible Faucet Brands |
|---|---|
| Delta | Delta, Peerless |
| Moen | Moen |
| Kohler | Kohler |
| American Standard | American Standard |
| Pfister | Pfister |
| Glacier Bay | Glacier Bay |
| Grohe | Grohe |
| Hansgrohe | Hansgrohe |
| Danze | Danze |
Note: The table above provides a list of commonly used cartridge brands and the compatible faucet brands they are designed to work with. It is important to ensure compatibility when replacing the cartridge in your faucet to ensure proper functionality
5. Remove And Replace Stem Packing Washers
The stem assembly is held together by two washers. The outer one is called a packing ring (it looks like a metal donut), and the inner one is called a stem nut or packing nut.
The main purpose of these parts is to seal up any leaks that may occur between your faucet’s cartridge and spout.
If you notice water leaking out of your faucet, it’s likely that one or both of these washers has become worn down over time–or perhaps they were never installed in the first place!
To fix this problem:
Remove both old packing rings using pliers or another tool designed for gripping small objects tightly; if necessary, use some WD40 spray lubricant to help loosen things up before removing them completely from their respective holes (but don’t get any on yourself). You might also find it helpful at this point if someone else could hold onto each end while removing/installing new parts so as not drop anything into sinkholes below!
Install new O-rings into their respective holes (they should have come with your replacement kit); then reattach those same pieces back onto main body part again before continuing down list below…
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6. Install A New Stem Assembly
You now have a new stem assembly. You can turn off the water supply and install it by following these steps:
Turn off the faucet’s water supply valve, which is usually located near where you installed your old one.
Take out the old stem assembly by unscrewing it from both ends of its shaft with an adjustable wrench or pliers (it may be tricky to get a good grip on).
Place your new stem assembly in place, threading one end into its corresponding hole in either side of your faucet body and tightening with an adjustable wrench or pliers until snug (don’t overdo it).
Then do the same thing with its counterpart on the other side of your faucet body–you should hear clicks when each end is secure enough not to come loose again during normal use!
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7. Rebuild The Faucet
Remove the stem assembly from the faucet and remove any bonnet washers and stem packing washers (see photo above).
Clean out all of these parts with a dental pick or small wire brush, then reassemble them with fresh silicone lubricant injected into each stem packing groove (this is how you’ll stop your leak).
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8. Turn Off Water Supply To Faucet And Drain Hose Line
The next step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet and drain out any remaining water in your hose line. To do this, shut off the main valve at your home’s main shutoff point (usually located under a sink).
If there isn’t one there, find another convenient spot where you can turn off all water going into that area of your house.
Next up: removing the aerator from above your faucet. This small piece is usually held on by two screws or clips that attach it to its baseplate–just take those out and then remove them both from overtop of your sink’s spout.
Once you’ve done so, turn back on that valve at which point all remaining water should start flowing out through it; if not, give it another minute or two before proceeding with steps 9-10 below!
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Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you to fix your leaky faucet. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further expand your knowledge on fixing a leaky faucet:
5 Reasons Your Faucet Is Dripping Water & How to Fix It: Discover the common reasons behind faucet leaks and learn step-by-step methods to fix them effectively.
Fix a Leaky Faucet: This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions and tips for fixing different types of leaky faucets, helping you save water and prevent further damage.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: WikiHow offers a detailed and user-friendly tutorial on fixing a leaky faucet, complete with illustrations and troubleshooting tips.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about fixing a leaky faucet:
How do I know if my faucet is leaking?
Signs of a leaking faucet include a continuous dripping sound, visible water pooling around the base or handles, and increased water bills.
What are the common causes of faucet leaks?
Faucet leaks are often caused by worn-out washers, damaged O-rings, loose connections, or corroded valve seats. Improper installation or high water pressure can also contribute to leaks.
Can I fix a leaky faucet myself?
In many cases, yes. Minor leaks can often be resolved by replacing a worn-out washer or O-ring. However, more complex issues might require the assistance of a professional plumber.
What tools do I need to fix a leaky faucet?
Common tools for fixing a leaky faucet include an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, a basin wrench, and plumber’s tape. The specific tools needed may vary depending on the type of faucet and the repairs required.
How can I prevent future faucet leaks?
Regular maintenance, such as checking for worn-out parts and promptly addressing any leaks, can help prevent future faucet issues. Additionally, avoiding excessive force when operating the handles and ensuring proper installation can contribute to the longevity of your faucets.
Hello, everyone! My name is Hellen James and I’m the founder of Unified Fix. I’ve been a home improvement enthusiast for years, so when we started this blog, I knew that it was important to me that we shared our knowledge with you.