How to Fix a Leaky Faucet - Complete Repair Guide
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How to Fix a Leaky Faucet - Complete Repair Guide
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🔧 How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Complete repair guide for all common faucet types
💰 Why Fix That Leak?
A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons per year, costing $35+ annually in water bills. Most leaks can be fixed in under an hour with parts costing $5-15.
🔍 Step 1: Identify Your Leak Type
💧 Dripping from Spout
Water drips from the faucet opening
Cause: Worn washers or O-rings🌊 Steady Stream
Continuous water flow from spout
Cause: Damaged valve seat or cartridge💦 Leaking at Base
Water pools around faucet base
Cause: Loose packing nut or worn O-rings🔧 Step 2: Identify Your Faucet Type
🔍 Quick Identification Guide
| Faucet Type | How to Identify | Common in |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two separate handles, turn multiple times to close | Older homes |
| Ball | Single handle that moves in all directions | Delta, Peerless |
| Cartridge | Single or double handle, 1/4 turn to close | Most modern faucets |
| Ceramic Disk | Single handle, wide cylindrical body | High-end modern faucets |
🛠️ Essential Tools & Materials
Basic Tool Kit
Required Tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Flashlight
- Rag or towel
Common Replacement Parts:
- O-rings (various sizes)
- Rubber washers
- Valve seats
- Cartridges (if needed)
- Plumber's grease
⚠️ Before You Start
- Turn off water supply under the sink or at main valve
- Turn on faucet to drain remaining water
- Plug the drain to prevent losing small parts
- Take photos before disassembly for reference
🔩 Compression Faucet Repair
Two-Handle Compression Faucet EASY
⏱️ Time needed: 20-30 minutes
💰 Parts cost: $3-8
1
Remove the handle
- Remove decorative cap from handle center
- Unscrew the handle screw
- Pull handle straight up and off
2
Remove the packing nut
- Use adjustable wrench to unscrew large nut below handle
- Turn counterclockwise
- May be tight—use steady pressure
3
Remove the stem
- Unscrew the stem assembly
- Turn counterclockwise with wrench
- Lift out entire stem unit
4
Replace washers and O-rings
- Remove screw at bottom of stem
- Replace rubber washer with exact same size
- Replace O-rings on stem shaft
- Apply thin layer of plumber's grease
5
Reassemble in reverse order
- Install stem (hand-tight plus 1/4 turn)
- Replace packing nut
- Reinstall handle
- Turn on water and test
⚾ Ball Faucet Repair
Single-Handle Ball Faucet MEDIUM
⏱️ Time needed: 30-45 minutes
💰 Parts cost: $8-15 (repair kit)
💡 Pro Tip
Buy a complete ball faucet repair kit—it contains all the small parts you'll need and costs about the same as buying parts individually.
1
Remove the handle
- Locate set screw on side of handle
- Use Allen wrench to remove set screw
- Lift handle straight up
2
Remove cap and collar
- Use adjustable wrench to remove dome-shaped cap
- Lift out plastic collar underneath
- Note orientation for reassembly
3
Remove ball and cam
- Lift out the metal ball
- Remove rubber seats and springs underneath
- Use needle-nose pliers for small parts
4
Replace all rubber parts
- Install new springs in valve seats
- Place new rubber seats over springs
- Replace O-rings on spout
- Apply plumber's grease to all rubber parts
5
Reassemble faucet
- Insert ball (align notch with collar)
- Replace collar and cap
- Reinstall handle with set screw
- Test operation and adjust if needed
🔧 Cartridge Faucet Repair
Single/Double Handle Cartridge EASY
⏱️ Time needed: 15-25 minutes
💰 Parts cost: $10-25 (cartridge)
1
Remove handle and trim
- Remove screw under decorative cap
- Pull off handle
- Unscrew any trim rings or collars
2
Remove retaining clip
- Look for U-shaped metal clip on cartridge top
- Use needle-nose pliers to pull straight out
- Keep track of clip—you'll need it for reassembly
3
Remove old cartridge
- Grip cartridge stem with pliers
- Pull straight up (may require significant force)
- Rock gently while pulling if stuck
4
Install new cartridge
- Match exact cartridge model number
- Align cartridge orientation with old one
- Push down firmly until fully seated
- Replace retaining clip
5
Reassemble and test
- Replace trim and handle
- Turn on water supply
- Test hot and cold operation
- If backwards, remove and flip cartridge 180°
⚠️ Cartridge Identification
Bring the old cartridge to the hardware store to ensure exact match. There are dozens of different cartridge styles, and they're not interchangeable.
💎 Ceramic Disk Faucet Repair
Single-Handle Ceramic Disk MEDIUM
⏱️ Time needed: 25-40 minutes
💰 Parts cost: $5-12 (seals and O-rings)
1
Remove handle
- Push handle to "on" position
- Remove screw inside handle (may be hidden under cap)
- Lift handle straight up
2
Remove disk cylinder
- Unscrew mounting screws on cylinder cap
- Lift out entire ceramic disk cylinder
- Be careful not to crack ceramic disks
3
Replace seals and O-rings
- Remove rubber seals from bottom of cylinder
- Replace with identical new seals
- Replace O-rings around cylinder body
- Clean cylinder and valve seat thoroughly
4
Reinstall components
- Place cylinder back in valve body
- Align properly with mounting holes
- Replace screws and handle
- Turn water back on SLOWLY to avoid cracking disks
💡 Ceramic Disk Care
Turn water back on slowly! Sudden pressure can crack the ceramic disks. If the cylinder still leaks, the ceramic disks may be cracked and need replacement.
🚰 Handle Leaks (Packing Nut Issues)
Leak Around Handle Base EASY
⏱️ Time needed: 10-15 minutes
💰 Parts cost: $2-5
1
Try tightening first
- Use wrench to gently tighten packing nut
- Turn 1/4 turn clockwise
- Test—this may solve the problem
2
If still leaking, replace packing
- Remove handle and packing nut
- Replace O-ring or packing material
- Wrap stem threads with Teflon tape if needed
- Reassemble with moderate tightness
❌ Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Still dripping after repair | Damaged valve seat | Resurface or replace valve seat |
| Hot/cold reversed | Cartridge installed backwards | Remove and flip cartridge 180° |
| Low water pressure | Debris in aerator or cartridge | Clean or replace aerator/cartridge |
| Handle loose or wobbly | Worn handle or packing nut loose | Tighten connections or replace handle |
| Water won't turn off completely | Valve seat damaged or debris | Clean valve seat or replace cartridge |
💡 Prevention & Maintenance Tips
✅ Keep Your Faucets Healthy
- Don't over-tighten handles: This wears out washers and seats faster
- Clean aerators monthly: Remove and rinse to prevent clogs
- Address leaks quickly: Small drips become big problems
- Use quality replacement parts: Cheap washers fail quickly
- Annual inspection: Check under sinks for early leak signs
- Water softener maintenance: Hard water damages faucet components
⚠️ When to Call a Professional
- Multiple fixtures leaking simultaneously
- Can't locate shut-off valves
- Corroded or damaged supply lines
- Valve seat damage requiring specialized tools
- Antique or specialty faucets
- Water pressure issues throughout house
💰 Cost Comparison
DIY vs Professional Repair
DIY Repair Costs:
- Compression faucet: $3-8
- Ball faucet kit: $8-15
- Cartridge replacement: $10-25
- Ceramic disk seals: $5-12
- Total time: 15-45 minutes
Professional Repair Costs:
- Service call: $75-150
- Parts markup: 50-100%
- Labor: $50-100/hour
- Total cost: $100-250
- Savings by DIY: $75-225
🔧 Final Tips for Success
- Take photos: Before disassembly for reference
- Work slowly: Don't force parts that seem stuck
- Bring old parts: To hardware store for exact matches
- Test thoroughly: Check hot, cold, and off positions
- Keep spare parts: O-rings and washers for future use
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