A leaking faucet is likely one of the most common and irritating plumbing issues you’ll come across. Not only can it increase your water bill, a leak dripping at night can easily disrupt sleep. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is an easy task that anyone can do.
Fortunately, most faucets have the same anatomy and you just need to identify the source of leak prior to repairing it. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire unit or parts of it, in other cases you might only need to tighten the parts.
It is best to start with the interior of the faucet. If you struggle to find the issue there then you should look at the exterior. Identifying the source of the leak should ultimately put you in the right direction of fixing the faucet.
Repairing the Interior of a Faucet
Repairing the interior of a faucet generally involves replacing the inner parts, which include the o-ring, the washer and the valve seat. Check if these parts are damaged or worn out. These parts are generally available from your local hardware or home improvement store.
Remove the handle of the faucet to access the valve seat. To do this, you’ll need to locate where the screw is that holds the handle and unscrew it with a Phillips head screwdriver. To replace the worn out parts, you’ll need to use a wrench or pliers and unscrew them from the valve seat. Finally, you can install the new parts.
Repairing the Exterior of a Faucet
If you are unable to resolve the leaky faucet from the interior parts, then you should check the packing nut and replace it if you find any damage. You’ll find the packing nut underneath the handle. Unscrew it with a pair of pliers and locate the stem. Remove the packing nut and apply plumber’s grease before putting it back on.
In some cases, the handle might just be loose and require a tightening. To do this, you can use a wrench and screw it up. It is also possible that the valve stem is broken and needs to be replaced. Unscrew the stem from the valve seat using a pair of pliers, and then install the new one.
Finally, you might want to consider testing the washer and replace it if necessary. It is always recommended that you buy a replacement washer that is the same size and shape.
Dealing with Leakage After Repair
After replacing the parts, check if your faucet is still leaking. If the leak persists, it could be due to the following reasons:
- The interior parts don’t fit properly in the seat.
- The valve seat is worn out and needs to be replaced.
- The washer is of the wrong size.
- The valve stem is loose.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky faucet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can repair the issue yourself and save both money and time. If all else fails, it’s best to call a professional plumber to assist you.