A leaky faucet can be a nuisance, not only because of the constant dripping sound, but also because it can waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself, and in this guide, we will show you how to do it quickly and easily.
Identifying the Type of Faucet
The first step in fixing a leaky faucet is to identify the type of faucet you have. There are four main types of faucets: compression, cartridge, ball, and ceramic disc.
- Compression faucets have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. They have a stem that screws into the faucet body and a washer on the end of the stem that creates a seal when the water is turned on.
- Cartridge faucets have one handle and a cartridge inside the faucet that controls the flow of water.
- Ball faucets have one handle and a ball inside the faucet that controls the flow of water.
- Ceramic disc faucets have one handle and a ceramic disc inside the faucet that controls the flow of water.
Gathering the Tools and Materials
Once you have identified the type of faucet you have, you will need to gather the tools and materials you will need to fix it. The tools and materials you will need will vary depending on the type of faucet you have, but in general, you will need the following:
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- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Replacement parts (such as a new washer or cartridge)
Repairing a Compression Faucet
If you have a compression faucet, the most likely cause of the leak is a worn-out washer. To fix this, you will need to replace the washer. Here’s how:
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
- Use the adjustable wrench to remove the handle from the faucet.
- Use the adjustable wrench to remove the stem from the faucet body.
- Remove the old washer from the stem and replace it with a new one.
- Reassemble the stem and handle and turn on the water supply.
Repairing a Cartridge Faucet
If you have a cartridge faucet, the most likely cause of the leak is a worn-out cartridge. To fix this, you will need to replace the cartridge. Here’s how:
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
- Use the adjustable wrench to remove the handle from the faucet.
- Use the adjustable wrench to remove the cartridge from the faucet body.
- Replace the old cartridge with a new one.
- Reassemble the handle and turn on the water supply.
Repairing a Ball Faucet
If you have a ball faucet, the most likely cause of the leak is a worn-out O-ring or a worn-out ball. To fix this, you will need to replace the O-ring or the ball. Here’s how:
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
- Use the adjustable wrench to remove the handle from the faucet.
- Remove the ball and inspect it for damage. If the ball is damaged, replace it with a new one.