Dealing with a leaky faucet can be a real headache, but fixing it yourself is simpler than you might think. With a few basic tools and some patience, you can stop that annoying drip and save water. Follow this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to fix various types of leaky faucets.

What Causes a Leaky Faucet?

Several things can cause a faucet to leak, including:

Worn-out washer or gasket: Over time, these components can wear down, causing leaks.
Loose or damaged O-ring: The O-ring is a small rubber ring that creates a watertight seal. If it’s damaged or loose, your faucet will leak.
Corrosion in the valve seat: Rust causes the valve seat to break down, which may cause leaks.
Mineral buildup: Hard water deposits can accumulate inside the faucet aerator, making it leak.
Faulty cartridge: In cartridge faucets, the cartridge itself can wear out or become damaged.

How Much Does a Leaky Faucet Cost?

A leaky faucet can be costly, both in terms of water waste and property damage. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks across the US waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water annually. Depending on your rates, this can add up to a noticeable amount on your water bill.

Fixing a leaky faucet is more cost-effective than ignoring it. The total expense ranges from a few dollars for a new washer or O-ring to between $20 and $50 for a new cartridge. Professional repairs might run $100 or more, depending on the complexity of the issue and your location.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet with a Single Handle

Fixing a single-handle faucet usually involves replacing the cartridge. Here’s how.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the shutoff valves under the sink—one for hot water and one for cold. Turn off the valves by rotating them clockwise. If your sink doesn’t have individual shutoff valves, turn off the main water supply. Then, turn on the faucet and let the water drain.

Remove the Handle

Different handles have different methods of attachment. If your handle has a set screw behind it, use a hex key or Allen wrench to remove the screw. If you see a cap on top of the handle, pry it off with a flathead screwdriver to expose the screw underneath, and then remove the screw with a Phillips head screwdriver. After removing the screws, pull the handle straight up and off the faucet assembly. If it doesn’t come off easily, wiggle gently to loosen it.

Remove the Cartridge

With the handle removed, you should now see the cartridge. It is usually held in place by a retaining nut or clip. Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut if there is one. Next, gently pull the cartridge up and out of the assembly. If it’s stuck, try using pliers to grip the stem and pull it out. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components.

Install the New Cartridge

Clean the area around the cartridge opening to remove any debris or mineral buildup. This ensures a good seal for the new cartridge. Next, align the new cartridge with the faucet body and push it into place. Make sure it is properly seated and aligned with any notches or grooves in the faucet body. Finally, reattach the retaining clip or packing nut to hold the cartridge in place. Tighten it with a wrench, being careful not to over-tighten.

Reassemble the Faucet

Place the handle back onto the cartridge stem and secure it with the screws you removed earlier. If there was a cap, snap it back into place. Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Open the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes to clear air or debris from the lines.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet with Two Handles

Two-handle faucets often have separate cartridges or compression valves for the hot and cold water. Here’s how to fix them.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise. If your sink doesn’t have individual shutoff valves, you will need to shut off the main water supply. Turn both handles to drain the water from the pipes.

Remove the Handles

Pry off any decorative caps with a flathead screwdriver to expose the screws underneath. Remove these screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Next, gently pull the handles straight up and off the faucet assembly. If they are stuck, wiggle them gently to loosen them.

Remove the Cartridges or Valve Stems

These components are usually held in place by a packing nut or retaining clip. Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut if there is one. Then, pull the cartridges or valve stems straight up and out of the assembly. If they are stuck, grip them with pliers and remove them carefully.

Replace the Cartridges or Valve Stems

Take the old components to the hardware store to get the correct replacements. Back at home, clean around the cartridge or valve stem openings to remove debris and mineral buildup. Insert the new cartridges or valve stems into the faucet body, ensuring they are properly aligned and seated. Reattach the packing nuts or retaining clips.

Reassemble the Faucet

Place the handles back onto the cartridges or valve stems and secure them with the screws you removed earlier. Snap any decorative caps back into place. Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Open the hot and cold handles all the way and let the water run for a few minutes to test your work.

Schedule Your Plumbing Repair with Allen Service

Fixing a leaky faucet can be a rewarding DIY project, but sometimes it’s best to call a professional. Allen Service has been offering top-notch plumbing repair services in the Fort Collins area since 1962. Our experienced team is ready to assist with any plumbing issues, whether large or small. Contact us today to work with the name you know and trust!