A leaky faucet can waste gallons of water and increase your utility bills. Fortunately, fixing a dripping faucet is a simple DIY home maintenance task. In this guide, you'll learn how to identify the cause of the leak, gather the necessary tools, and repair your faucet step by step.

Why Fix a Leaky Faucet?

A dripping faucet wastes water and money. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a faucet leaking just one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water each year. Repairing leaks saves both resources and reduces your bills.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
  • Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
  • Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridges (depending on faucet type)
  • Plumber’s grease
  • Rag or towel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to close. If you can't find them, shut off the main water supply. Turn the faucet on to drain any remaining water.

2. Plug the Drain

Use a sink plug or rag to block the drain. This prevents small parts from falling down the drain.

3. Disassemble the Faucet

  • Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the decorative cap on the handle.
  • Unscrew the screw underneath to remove the handle.
  • Depending on the faucet type (compression, ball, cartridge, or ceramic disk), you may need to remove additional parts like nuts, washers, or cartridges.
  • Make a note of the order and orientation of each part.

4. Inspect and Replace Faulty Parts

  • Look for damaged washers, O-rings, or cartridges that might cause the leak.
  • Compression faucets often need new rubber washers or O-rings.
  • Cartridge and ball faucets may require replacement cartridges or seats.
  • Take the worn parts to a hardware store to find exact matches.

5. Reassemble the Faucet

  • Apply plumber’s grease to the O-rings or washers.
  • Install the new parts and reassemble the faucet in the reverse order.
  • Tighten components snugly, but avoid over-tightening.

6. Restore Water Supply & Test

Turn the water back on and test your faucet. If leaking persists, check if all parts are properly installed or seek professional help.

Common Types of Faucets

  • Compression Faucet: Has separate hot/cold handles; most common cause of drips is worn washers.
  • Ball Faucet: Single handle, uses a ball bearing; leaks may be due to worn O-rings or seals.
  • Cartridge Faucet: Single or double handle; leaks often due to a worn cartridge.
  • Ceramic Disk Faucet: Single lever, durable, leaks are rare but can be caused by worn seals.

To identify your faucet style, refer to the Family Handyman's faucet repair guide.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t force parts when disassembling.
  • Take photos as you disassemble for easier reassembly.
  • Always check manufacturer instructions for your specific faucet model.

When to Call a Professional

If your faucet continues to leak or parts are corroded/stuck, it’s best to consult a licensed plumber to avoid further damage.

References

  1. EPA WaterSense - Fix a Leak
  2. Family Handyman: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
  3. Home Depot - Faucet Repair Guide
  4. Wikipedia: Faucet
  5. This Old House - How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

By following these steps, you can efficiently stop a leaky faucet and conserve water at home.