To fix a leaky faucet, follow these key steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet by closing the shutoff valves under the sink or shutting off the main water supply if needed. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
- Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the screws, often hidden under decorative caps, then carefully lifting the handle off.
- Inspect the internal parts like washers, O-rings, valve seats, or cartridges for wear or damage. The leak usually comes from worn washers or O-rings.
- Replace the faulty parts with exact replacements. For compression faucets, replace the washer; for cartridge or ball faucets, replace O-rings and seals as needed. Use plumber’s grease on new washers or O-rings to ensure good sealing.
- Reassemble the faucet by putting the handle back on and securing screws. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
For compression-type faucets, the process specifically involves removing the handle, loosening the packing nut, removing the stem, replacing the washer, and reassembling everything carefully. For cartridge, ball, and ceramic disk faucets, the approach involves replacing O-rings and seals suited to those types. Be sure to use appropriate tools like screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, and penetrating oil like WD-40 to loosen stuck parts. Taking pictures during disassembly helps in reassembly. These steps are effective for fixing most common leaky faucet types—compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disk faucets.
