How to Fix a Leaky Faucet and Other Simple Plumbing Repairs

Why Faucets Leak

Before diving into the fix, it’s useful to understand why faucets leak in the first place. The most common reasons include:

• Worn-out washers or O-rings: These rubber seals can wear down over time, causing leaks.
• Corroded valve seats: The part of the faucet that connects to the valve may corrode, leading to water leaks.
• Loose parts: If a faucet’s internal components become loose, they can cause leaks.
• High water pressure: Excessively high water pressure can stress faucet parts and lead to leaks.

Tools You’ll Need for Faucet Repairs

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on your faucet)
• Replacement parts (washer, O-ring, valve seat)
• Plumber’s tape
• Penetrating oil (optional for stubborn parts)
• Towel or rag

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you start any plumbing work, it’s essential to turn off the water supply to the faucet. Most faucets have individual shut-off valves located under the sink. Turn these valves clockwise to close them. If your faucet doesn’t have individual shut-off valves, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to the house.

Step 2: Plug the Drain

To prevent small parts from falling down the drain, plug the drain with a rag or a sink plug. This is especially important when working with small screws or washers.

Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet

Faucet designs vary, but most faucets are either compression-style, ball-style, cartridge-style, or ceramic-disk-style. Here’s a general approach for common faucet types:

• Compression Faucets (separate hot and cold knobs):
  1. Remove the handle by unscrewing the screw holding it in place. The screw may be hidden under a decorative cap.
  2. Use your wrench to remove the nut that holds the stem in place. Then, take out the stem and inspect the rubber washer at the bottom.
  3. If the washer is worn or damaged, replace it with a new one of the same size. Apply plumber’s tape to the stem threads before reassembling the faucet.
• Ball Faucets (single-handle faucets):
  1. Use a wrench to remove the faucet handle. You may need to remove a decorative cap to access the screw.
  2. After removing the handle, use a specialized tool (usually included in a faucet repair kit) to remove the faucet’s ball and replace the seals, springs, and O-rings.
  3. Reassemble the faucet, making sure everything is aligned and tightened.
• Cartridge Faucets (single-handle faucets):
  1. Remove the handle by unscrewing the screw and pulling it off.
  2. Use pliers to remove the cartridge, which should easily pull out.
  3. Replace the cartridge and the O-rings. Reassemble the faucet and test for leaks.
• Ceramic-Disk Faucets (modern, high-tech faucets):
  1. Remove the handle and use a wrench to unscrew the ceramic disk assembly.
  2. Inspect the ceramic discs for wear or damage, and replace them if needed.
  3. Clean the valve seat before reinserting the new disk assembly.

Step 4: Check the Valve Seat and Replace If Needed

The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and can corrode over time. If you notice mineral deposits or rust on the valve seat, it might be time to replace it. Some faucet models allow you to replace the valve seat without disassembling the entire faucet, but others may require a full replacement of the faucet’s internal components.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

Once you’ve replaced any worn parts (washers, O-rings, or valve seats), it’s time to reassemble the faucet in reverse order of disassembly. Tighten all parts but avoid over-tightening, as this can damage the internal components.

Step 6: Turn On the Water Supply

After the faucet is fully reassembled, turn the water supply back on. Slowly open the faucet to test for leaks. If the faucet is still leaking, double-check the connections, seals, and washers. If necessary, disassemble the faucet again and verify that all parts are correctly installed.

Other Simple Plumbing Repairs

Beyond fixing a leaky faucet, there are several other plumbing repairs that most homeowners can handle themselves.

1. Unclogging a Drain

Clogged drains are another common plumbing issue. While chemical drain cleaners are available, they can be harmful to pipes over time. A safer, DIY solution involves using a plunger or a plumbing snake.

• Plunger: Cover the drain with the plunger and create a strong seal. Pump the plunger up and down to force air through the pipes, which may dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing Snake: A long, flexible tool that can be fed into the drain to manually break up or pull out clogs. Insert the snake into the drain, turn the handle, and continue feeding it into the pipe until the obstruction is cleared.

If these methods don’t work, consider calling a plumber, as the blockage may be more serious than a simple clog.

2. Fixing a Running Toilet

A constantly running toilet can waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. Here’s how to fix it:

• Step 1: Remove the toilet tank lid and inspect the components inside. The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve or a damaged fill valve.
• Step 2: If the flapper valve is worn or doesn’t create a proper seal, replace it. These valves are inexpensive and easy to replace.
• Step 3: If the fill valve is malfunctioning, it may need to be adjusted or replaced. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and replace the valve by disconnecting the old one and attaching a new one.
• Step 4: After replacing the necessary parts, turn the water back on and check for any leaks.

3. Fixing Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be a frustrating issue, but it’s often simple to fix. Here’s what you can do:

• Step 1: Check aerators and showerheads for mineral buildup. Unscrew the aerator or showerhead, soak it in vinegar to dissolve the minerals, and rinse it clean.
• Step 2: If the problem persists throughout the house, check the main water supply valve to ensure it’s fully open.
• Step 3: If you live in a hard-water area, you may need a whole-house water softener to prevent mineral buildup in your pipes, which can cause low water pressure over time.

Fixing a leaky faucet or tackling other simple plumbing repairs doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right tools, a little patience, and a willingness to learn, many homeowners can take on basic plumbing issues themselves. By addressing small problems early, you can prevent them from escalating into costly repairs, and you’ll gain a sense of satisfaction from taking care of your home’s plumbing needs.

If you’re unsure about any part of a repair, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber for advice. For most everyday plumbing problems, though, these tips will help you keep your home’s plumbing in great shape without a big hassle.