How To Fix a Leaky Faucet

Is that constant drip driving you mad? If so, we don’t blame you! Besides creating an awful ruckus, that slow leak can also be costing you a ton in wasted water. That’s why we’re here to tell you how to do away with it once and for all!

First things first:

Every faucet falls under one of the following four categories: compression, cartridge, ceramic disk, or ball. This will determine exactly what you need to do in order to nip your leak in the bud. For today’s blog, we’ve chosen to focus on compression faucets, as they’re the most common and the easiest to fix as a DIY-er.

Follow these steps:

  1. Shut off the water. This can be done using the shut off valve located underneath the sink.
  2. Close and cover the sink drain. You don’t want to lose any of those tiny, crucial parts as you take apart your faucet!
  3. Protect your fixtures with tape. Not by taping the fixtures themselves, but by taping your wrench. Wrapping duct tape around the jaws can help reduce the chance of scratching.
  4. Ready a workspace. As you remove pieces of the faucet, you’ll want a nice open area to lay them out in order. That way, it’s easier to put it back together afterwards.
  5. Remove the handle. Determine which handle the leak is coming from, and pry off the decorative cap up top. Then, carefully unscrew the handle screw and packing nut.
  6. Replace the O-ring. After removing each of the parts of the handle, and laying them down in order one-by-one, you’ll come to a small, rubber washer, called the O-ring. Replace it with a new O-ring of the proper size, coated in plumbers grease.
  7. Put it back together. Finally, reassemble the parts and your leak should be fixed!

Tried to fix your compression faucet and still have a leaky situation? Or perhaps you’ve got a different, more complicated faucet type. Well, when all else fails, call Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter! We’re experts in diagnosing and fixing leaks – no matter how large or small. Just dial 714-630-8766 today.