The sound of dripping water from a leaking faucet is annoying, but you haven’t fixed it yet. Maybe you’re too busy, or hesitant to fix it yourself? Regardless, you need to fix the leaking faucet immediately. Leaking faucets will only waste your water bill and are more likely to cause more congestion.
Causes
Faucet leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, depending on your faucet type. There are cartridge, compression, ceramic disc and ball-type faucets. The compression faucet relies on a rubber washer to seal the water valve seat, and this part can wear away at any time until it needs to be replaced. The other three types of faucets use O rings or neoprene seals which also need to be replaced from time to time. Here are the details on how to fix a leaking faucet according to the faucet type:
1. Cartridge Faucet
- Pry the decorative cap on the handle, remove the handle screw, tilt the handle back, and pull.
- If there is a threaded retention clip securing the cartridge, you can use sharp pliers to remove it and pull the cartridge straight up.
- Remove the spout and cut the old O-rings with a cutter knife. Coat the new O ring with non-toxic and heat-resistant plumbing lubricant.
- To replace the entire cartridge, adjust the length of the old cartridge to the new one. Also adjust the end of the stem (stem) with where the handle attaches.
2. Compression Faucet
- Most leaking compression faucets require a new washer. Use a small screwdriver or knife cutter to pry the decorative caps on the handles and expose the wrapping screws.
- Remove the handle screw with a screwdriver and then pull the faucet handle.
- Use a wrench to remove the wrapping screw and loosen the handle rod from the faucet body.
- Unscrew the washer from the lower end of the handle to remove and replace the washer.
- Coat washer with non-toxic and heat-resistant plumbing lubricant
- Remove the stem from the wrapping screw and replace the O-ring with a new one. O-ring sizes range from 0.375 inches to 0.675 inches, so it’s important to adjust your faucet size appropriately. Coat the new O-ring with lubricant.
- The washer is located on a circular disc which is commonly called a retainer. If the original holder is damaged, clear the space and install a replacement holder. If your faucet keeps leaking, it’s possible that the washer has a problem too
- Remove the stem and smooth the top end of the washer.
- If you cannot repair the original washer, replace it with a new one.
3. Ceramic Disk Faucet
- Push the handle back to access the adjusted screw. Remove the screw and lift the handle.
- Remove the escutcheon cap, unscrew the disc cylinder mounting screw, and lift the cylinder.
- With a blunt screwdriver, lift the neoprene seal from the cylinder. If the seal is damaged, replace it.
- Use distilled white vinegar and a soft scouring pad to clean the cylinder opening, then rinse thoroughly.
- Replace the seal and reinstall the faucet.
- Move the handle to the “on” position and slowly turn the water back on—the force of the water returning can break the ceramic plate.
- If you replace the entire cylinder (usually not necessary), screw it in place and secure it with the new mounting screws.
4. Ball-type Faucet
This type of faucet has many small parts which often makes it difficult to find the cause of the leak. If you want faster results, we recommend buying new replacement parts.
- Open the small index cover from the side of the faucet and find the hexagon head screw.
- Loosen the screws and pull the faucet handle.
- Remove the head (cap) and collar (collar)
- Loosen the faucet head with a special tool for the part and lift out the cam along with the cam and ball washers.
- Reach the faucet body with sharp pliers and remove the rubber mount and spring.
- Slide the new rubber springs and mounts into the faucet.
- The second stand and spring are installed in the same way
- Reinstall the stainless ball. Make sure you adjust the keyway of the tabs to those inside the faucet body.
- Install the new rubber gasket and cap over the stainless steel ball.
- Align the keyway on the lid with the appropriate slot.
- Reseat the top cover assembly by hand to the faucet.
- Also tighten the screw to apply proper pressure to the faucet ball.
To fix a leaking faucet may seem a bit difficult, but with the right amount of time and patience, you can fix your own faucet. If you are too busy, you can ask someone else for help or even hire a repair service to stop your faucet from leaking.
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