A leaking faucet is one of the few highly frustrating things. It does not just make a constant dripping sound, but also a substantial increase in your water bills can be noticed. Not only that, but the risk of mold growth also gets heightened in your home.
However, the good news is that fixing a leaky faucet isn’t a costly affair like other home improvement projects, provided the severity of the plumbing issue plays a considerable role here.
There are five ways to fix a faucet that are productive and cost-effective. But for that, you will need to know the type of faucet you have and the necessary tools to correct the problem. As far as faucet types are concerned, four common types that include:
- Compression faucet – Features one handle for cold water and one for hot water
- Ball faucet – Features central handle powered by a ball bearing used for setting the desired temperature
- Cartridge faucet – Features Sleeve-shaped central handle powered by the internal cartridge.
- Ceramic-disk faucet – Features Central handle powered by a ceramic cylinder.
Necessary tools for fixing a leaky faucet include an adjustable wrench, flathead screwdriver, faucet washer, sink plug, O-rings, and brass screws.
5 Ways to Fix a Faucet
- Finding the Source of a Leaky Faucet
Now that you know the faucet type and the tools necessary to fix it, the first step you need to take is to find the source of the leak or damage. If you see moisture directly below the faucet, then dry it first for better diagnosis. Is water dripping from the spout even after the tap is off? Or water leaks at the base and not from the tap? Does water leaks at the bottom as well as from the tap when the faucet is on? Or the water leaks through the handle’s top? If you cannot identify the leak source, then make sure to hire a professional for help.
- Fixing a Compression Faucet
To fix a compression faucet, you will need to remove the handles by removing the decorative caps and then removing the screws beneath. You will need a wrench to remove the packing nut below the handle. Then remove the stem, O-rings, and seat washer. Usually, the seat washer is the main culprit behind the leaks in compression faucets, which can be diagnosed when the spout is dripping. And if the handles are leaky, then O-ring is responsible. You can replace the seat washer by concealing the replacement using a plumber’s grease and secure it with a brass screw. Now reassemble the faucet! And it’s done.
- Fixing a Ball Faucet
To fix a ball faucet, you will need to purchase a replacement kit as the ball faucets consist of several parts and require specialty tools. You can use a screwdriver for removing the handle. Using pliers and a specialty tool, remove the cap, collar, and faucet cam, lift out the washer, and the ball bearing. For reaching into the faucet’s mechanism, you will need to use needle-nose pliers. Then remove the inlet seals and springs. Cut off the worn O-ring and replace it with a new one and coat the replacement using plumber’s grease before installation. Now install new springs, inlet seals, and washer and reassemble the faucet.
- Fixing a Cartridge Faucet
Fixing a cartridge faucet will need you to remove the handle by removing the decorative cap after removing the screws beneath and tilting it backward. If there is any clip that holds the cartridge in place, then remove it using pliers. Now remove the cartridge by pulling it straight up and then remove the spout. Replace the worn-out O-ring and coat it with plumber’s grease and then reassemble the faucet.
- Fixing a Ceramic-Disk Faucet
In this case, you will need to unscrew and remove the handle after removing the metal escutcheon cap located below. After that, unscrew and remove the disk cylinder and lift the neoprene seals from the cylinder out. Clean the openings of the cylinder using distilled white vinegar and a cleaning cloth. Then replace the worn-out neoprene seals and reassemble the faucet. Turn the water on slow pressure as a higher force may damage the ceramic cylinder.
Conclusion:
These are the five different ways to fix the faucet. However, if you find it confusing or want a professional fix, look for professional plumbers in your area via mobile apps like ChoreRelief, Home Advisor, etc.
