Stop the Drip: Your Easy Guide to Fixing Leaky Faucets

You shouldn’t be overwhelmed by easy plumbing fixes such as leaky faucets. With this article, you can bid farewell to annoying drips and costly water waste. As an easy-to-follow guide, you’ll master the art of fixing leaky faucets in no time.

Fixing a leaky faucet involves turning off the water supply, disassembling the faucet and looking for any damaged components. Any damages should be repaired or replaced and reassembling the faucet. It is essential to understand what type of faucet you own and what each component looks like.

Dive into the following step-by-step guide and expert tips for repairing a dripping faucet and enjoying a leak-free home. You’ll also be much better off once you have read through the basics of faucet terminology.

6 Easy Steps to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Faucets

Below are a number of definitions that you might want to know when fixing your faucet. You can use this section as a reference as you read through the article.

Faucet: A device that controls the flow of water from a pipe, typically found in sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
O-ring: A circular rubber or plastic seal used in faucets to prevent water leaks at joints or connections.
Cartridge: A component of cartridge faucets that controls water flow and temperature by adjusting the position of internal parts.
Ceramic disk: A component of ceramic disk faucets that uses two flat, rotating ceramic disks to control water flow and temperature.
Ball: A component of ball faucets that uses a rotating ball with holes to control water flow and temperature.
Shutoff valve: A valve that controls the water supply to a specific plumbing fixture, such as a faucet or toilet.
Main water supply: The primary water source for a home or building, which can be shut off to stop the flow of water to all fixtures.
Washer: A flat, typically rubber or plastic component used in compression faucets to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.
Plumber's tape (Teflon tape): A thin, non-adhesive tape used to wrap around pipe threads to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.
Aerators: A component attached to the end of a faucet that mixes air with water, reducing water flow while maintaining pressure and preventing splashing.

You will also find a list of different types of faucets towards the end of this article. You may want to check which type you have before starting any repairs.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before attempting any faucet repairs, it's crucial to turn off the water supply to avoid flooding or accidents. Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off the water. If you can't find the valves, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet

With the water supply turned off, place a cloth or towel in the sink to catch any dropped parts. Depending on the type of faucet you have (compression, cartridge, ceramic disk, or ball), you'll need to disassemble it accordingly. Generally, this involves removing the handle and any decorative elements to access the internal components.

Step 4: Inspect and Replace Damaged Components

Once the faucet is disassembled, carefully inspect its components for wear or damage. Common culprits behind leaks include worn-out O-rings, corroded cartridges, or damaged washers. Identify the damaged part and obtain a replacement from a hardware store, ensuring that it matches your faucet's specifications.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

After replacing the damaged components, it's time to reassemble the faucet. Follow the disassembly steps in reverse order, ensuring that all parts are correctly installed and tightened. Be careful not to overtighten any components, as this can cause damage.

Step 6: Test the Faucet

With the faucet reassembled, turn the water supply back on by turning the shutoff valves counterclockwise or reopening the main water supply. Test the faucet to ensure that the leak has been resolved and that the water flow is smooth and consistent. If the leak persists, double-check your repairs or consult a professional plumber.

What Type of Faucet do I Have?

Determining your faucet type is essential for proper repairs. There are four main types, including compression faucets, cartridge faucets, ceramic disk faucets and ball faucets. Below is a list of each for your reference. Look for distinguishing features, consult the manufacturer's information, or search online to identify your faucet type.

Compression faucet: A type of faucet with separate handles for hot and cold water that requires tightening the handle to close the water flow.
Cartridge faucet: A type of faucet that uses a cartridge mechanism to control water flow and can have one or two handles.
Ceramic disk faucet: A type of faucet with a single handle that uses a ceramic disk system to control water flow and temperature.
Ball faucet: A type of faucet with a single handle and a rotating ball mechanism to control water flow and temperature.

How To Prevent Faucet Leaks in the Future?

Regular faucet maintenance can help prevent leaks and prolong the life of your fixtures. Periodically inspect your faucets for signs of wear or damage, and replace components as needed. Clean your faucets and aerators regularly to remove mineral buildup or debris, which can cause low water pressure

You can find more helful plumbing tips (that you can do yourself) in this article.