How to Fix a Leaking Faucet

The steady drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet is more than just a nuisance—it’s also wasteful. A leak of just one drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year. Before attempting to fix your leaking faucet, shut off the water by turning the valve mounted to the wall below the sink. Then, plug the drain opening with the stopper or a rag to prevent losing faucet parts. Now, let’s begin.

Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet

If your faucet has two handles, it’s a compression faucet. Here’s what to do:

1. Remove any decorative caps and unscrew the handles.
2. Remove the now-exposed nut with a wrench and loosen the stem.
3. Lift out the seat washer and replace it with one coated in plumber’s grease. Replace the O-ring as well.
4. Reassemble the handles, and the leak should be fixed. If not, consider replacing the faucet.

Fix a Leaky Ball Faucet

Ball faucets are usually found in kitchen sinks. They have one handle with a ball at the base that rotates around. Here’s how to fix a leak:

1. Remove the decorative cover and unscrew the handle.
2. Loosen the cap and collar with pliers.
3. Remove the inlet seals and springs within the mechanism with needle-nose pliers.
4. Install new O-rings, springs, valve seats, and cam washers from a ball faucet repair kit.
5. Reassemble the handle, and the leak should be fixed. If not, consider replacing the faucet.

Fix a Leaky Disk Faucet

You can distinguish a disk faucet from a ball faucet once you disassemble it. If there are two disks inside instead of a ball, it’s a disk faucet. Here’s how to perform a repair:

• Remove the escutcheon cap.
• Unscrew the handle and disk cylinder to expose several neoprene seals.
• Pry out the seals. If they’re worth saving, soak them in white vinegar. If the seals are worn out, replace them.
• Reassemble the handle, and the leak should be fixed. Turn on the water slowly to prevent cracking the ceramic disk.

Fix a Leaky Cartridge Faucet

Most cartridge faucets have one handle. The water pressure adjusts by lifting the handle up and down, while the temperature adjusts from left to right. Follow these steps to fix a leaky cartridge faucet:

• Unscrew the handle.
• If a retaining clip holds the cartridge in place, remove it with pliers.
• Remove the faucet spout and O-rings underneath.
• Install new O-rings coated with plumber’s grease.
• Reassemble the handle, and the leak should be fixed. If not, consider replacing the faucet.

Schedule Leaky Faucet Repair in San Jose or the Surrounding South Bay Area

Sometimes, it’s best to let a professional fix your leaky faucet. Mike Counsil Plumbing can help. We perform faucet installation and repair, supplying popular finishes and styles from today’s top brands. Book an appointment online or call us at 408-916-1226 to have a friendly plumber fix your dripping faucet once and for all.