How to Fix a Dripping Faucet? Tips
The drip, drip, drip of a leaking faucet can be extremely irritating. Fortunately, fixing a faucet is easier than you might think.
Before you begin, shut off the water supply. Also, cover the sink drain with a towel or rag to avoid small parts falling down the drain.
Start by removing the handle and screw. You can use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench.
Tighten the Packing Nut
The dripping sound of a leaky faucet can drive you crazy, especially if it keeps you awake at night or drives up your water bill. Even worse, the constant drip can damage your faucet base and lead to hard water stains on your counter. The good news is that fixing a leaky faucet is usually a quick and easy DIY task. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start the repair process.
Before you do anything, make sure you turn off the water to your faucet. Then, remove the handle, packing nut, and stem. Depending on the type of faucet you have, the adjusting ring and cap may also need to be removed. Having these parts laid out in front of you will help you identify where the problem is originating from. Before removing any parts, it’s a good idea to clean them off with white vinegar so that water sediment doesn’t cake on and create future leaks.
Next, tighten the packing nut with a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten this nut, or you could strip the threads.
Once the packing nut is tight, you should notice a decrease in the number of drips coming from your faucet. However, if your drips are still happening, it’s likely that the valve seat or O-ring have become worn out and need to be replaced.
To fix the O-ring, first, take out the entire stem assembly from the faucet. Place the new O-ring on a clean work surface and then use a small amount of plumber’s grease to help it stay in place. Wrap a few layers of tape around any shiny parts on your faucet that you don’t want to get scratched when using the wrench. Then, reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on. Now that your faucet is dripping less, you’ll save money on your water bill and have peace of mind knowing that you’re helping to conserve our planet’s resources. If your leaky faucet doesn’t stop dripping, it’s time to call a professional plumber for advice and/or plumbing repairs.
Replace the O-Ring
Often the problem isn’t a loose packing nut, but rather a worn O-ring that seals between the cartridge and the valve seat. The O-ring is typically made of rubber, and you can buy replacements at most hardware stores. They range in size from 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch, so it’s important that you have the right one for your faucet. When you replace it, be sure to coat the new O-ring with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease.
The O-ring sits inside a round, recessed disk called the retainer. If the original retainer is damaged, you can grind it flush and add a new one to the cartridge. If you still have leaks, the valve seat may be pitted and need to be replaced. If the cartridge and valve seat aren’t the problem, the leaking could be from a clogged aerator or mineral deposits in the faucet spout. Regular cleaning and addressing any problems promptly will prevent premature wear of the O-ring.
If the dripping is from the base of the faucet handle or from the spout as if it isn’t fully turned off, you have a different problem that should be addressed by a professional plumber. Using the tips and tools from this guide will help you save money by fixing your own faucet.
Before you begin, make sure that the water supply valves under your sink are shut off. You’ll also want to have a clean towel or cloth nearby to wipe away any water that drips during the repair process.
A wrench and a screwdriver: An adjustable wrench will come in handy for loosening and tightening the various components of the faucet. A screwdriver is needed to remove screws and other fasteners, and can be either a Phillips or flathead. An Allen wrench might also be necessary to remove the set screw that holds the handle to the cartridge.
If the faucet is hard to open or close, use a penetrating oil or lubricant to loosen it. You should also bring your old cartridge with you to find a replacement and the correct O-ring for it. Plumber’s grease makes it easier to insert the cartridge, and you can apply a little of it to the O-ring to keep it from stretching or tearing while you’re working.
Replace the Washer
A faucet that has been leaking for a while may develop a washer that has worn out. This is a simple fix that should stop the drip.
Start by removing the handle. There should be a screw underneath the decorative cap that holds it on, so use a screwdriver to remove it. If the screw seems seized, use penetrating oil to loosen it. When the handle is off, set it aside so you can access the screw that holds the handle to the stem.
After unscrewing the screw, use a wrench to loosen and then remove the stem nut. The stem should now be free, so you can pull it out of the faucet and inspect it for damage. If you see that the washer is damaged, you can replace it with a new one. When choosing a washer, it’s important that it be an exact match to the old one in order to prevent future leaks from incorrectly sized parts.
Before reassembling, make sure to coat all of the replacement washers with plumber’s grease to ensure they don’t cause leaks. It’s also a good idea to put the stem and other components into a plastic bag before heading to the hardware store or big box home improvement center to purchase replacement parts. This will help you keep track of all the pieces and will make it easier to reassemble your faucet when the job is done.
Once the new washer is installed, you can reassemble your faucet by placing the handle back on and screwing it in place. Be careful when tightening the screw, as you don’t want to scar the metal. Then, turn the water supply back on to test your new faucet. If the leak persists, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Remember, a single dripping faucet wastes gallons of water every day, which can cost you money in higher water bills. It’s best to tackle the problem as soon as you notice it so that your plumbing is operating as efficiently as possible. This will help you save money and reduce the amount of water that is wasted by your leaking faucet – concurrent to how Des Moines plumbers handle this sort of stuff.
Replace the Valve Seat
The valve seat is the sleeve that holds the stem in place, and it can also wear out or get clogged with mineral deposits. When this happens, the spout doesn’t have an accurate seal, and it drips. Replacing the valve seat is a little more involved than simply replacing a washer, and it’s usually best left to professional plumbers. But if you can’t stop the drips by tightening the packing nut or replacing the O-ring, you may have to replace the seat to eliminate the leaks.
First, shut off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the faucet handle with an Allen wrench or screwdriver. You can also remove the decorative cap on the adjusting screw to gain access to the hex head. Once the handle and screw are removed, use pliers to grip the hex head of the valve stem assembly and unscrew it. Remove the valve stem and set it aside.
Next, examine the hex head of the spout for damage or corrosion. If the spout is leaking, it could be because of an improper installation or the hex head was stripped during removal. Also, check the hex head for pitting, which means it was worn down and no longer fits properly on the valve seat. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the hex head and valve seat.
Then, screw the new hex head onto the valve stem and tighten it securely. If you’re using a ceramic-disk cartridge, replace the neoprene seals or install new ones in the base of the cylinder. Make sure the replacement parts are an exact match to the originals to prevent a recurrence of the leaks.
Dripping faucets can waste gallons of water and drive up your water bill. They can also cause costly damage to your pipes and fixtures, so don’t ignore the problem. The good news is that most drips are caused by easily remedial issues, such as loose packing or a worn O-ring. With a bit of patience and these simple tips, you can stop the drips and save money.
