Comprehensive Guide on How to Fix Your Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can be expensive as well as annoying. Whether it is a dripping faucet losing relatively little water or a leaking faucet allowing more to escape, it could be causing damage to your countertops or other hardware around the leak.

Water is a precious resource, not to be wasted — just like money shouldn’t be wasted on a rising water bill due to a leaky faucet!

The team at Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is here to help. We expertly address all types of plumbing issues every day, effectively and economically. Below, we’ll walk you through our straightforward DIY guide to get all things faucet-related tightened up — literally!

Shut the Water Off Under the Sink

Before you start work on the leaky faucet, first stop the flow of water to it. Look underneath your sink for the pipes or lines that run up to your faucet. Along those pipelines will be valves that you can turn to shut off the water to your sink.

Turn the handles clockwise to turn off the water. Remember the saying, “Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”? Turning the handle right tightens the handle, and this stops water flowing to the faucet.

Plug up the sink drain once the water has been turned off. Use either the sink’s in-built mechanism for plugging the drain, or plug it yourself with a rag. (Nothing will ruin your day faster than having a screw or a washer go down the drain!)

Determine Which Type of Faucet You Own

Identify your faucet type before attempting repairs. Most faucets fall into one of four categories:

• Compression faucets are basic and commonly found in budget models. They use a stem that moves up and down to control water flow.
• Ball faucets have a rotating ball inside and are typically single-handle designs. Moving the handle left or right adjusts the water temperature.
• Cartridge faucets contain a replaceable cartridge. These are often found in mid-to-high-end models and allow smooth handle operation.
• Ceramic-disk faucets feature ceramic cylinders that rotate to control water flow. These are usually found in premium models with side-mounted single handles.

Remove Your Faucet and Start Repairs

Let’s now go over the repair process for each type of faucet. Just scroll down to the type you own and follow the procedure to get things ship-shape!

1. Compression Faucets

Symptoms: Leaks when the faucet is turned off, usually due to worn rubber washers.

Repair Process: After shutting off the water, unscrew and remove the faucet handle. Loosen and remove the packing nut to access the stem. Replace the seat washer at the bottom of the stem, as it’s often the cause of leaks. If the faucet is still leaking, you may need to grind the valve seat with a seat dressing tool, or replace it entirely if it’s pitted or corroded.

2. Ball Faucets

Symptoms: Often leak due to worn seals or springs inside the faucet.

Repair Process: Start by removing the handle using an Allen wrench. Loosen the collar and cap holding the ball assembly in place. A special tool from a repair kit may be needed. Replace the seals and springs underneath the ball assembly, as these parts are typically the culprits for leaks.

Pro Tip: Always replace the ball and seals as a set for optimal performance. Use plumber’s grease to lubricate moving parts during reassembly.

3. Cartridge Faucets

Symptoms: Drips from the spout are common when the cartridge is worn.

Repair Process: Turn off the water supply and cover the drain. Remove the handle by prying off the decorative cap, then unscrew the handle. Pull out the cartridge, which controls water flow. If it’s stuck, use pliers to twist and loosen it.

Replacement: Take the old cartridge to a hardware store to find a match, or order a replacement from the manufacturer. Once you insert the new cartridge, make sure it aligns properly with the valve body. Reassemble the handle and test the faucet to ensure the leak is fixed.

4. Ceramic Disk Faucets

Symptoms: Leaks can occur when the ceramic disks are worn or debris builds up inside.

Repair Process: Remove the handle and then unscrew the disk cylinder. Replace damaged neoprene seals inside the cylinder.

Pro Tip: Clean mineral deposits from the disk openings with vinegar before reinstalling the cylinder. If the leak persists after cleaning, replace the entire cylinder.

Turn the Water Back On

OK, time to check your work!

Get the water flowing again by turning the valve or valves under the sink counter-clockwise. Begin using the faucet as you normally would. If everything went well a leaky faucet should be a thing of the past.

If there’s still a leak, it may be time to call in the professionals. At Bob Oates, you can start with just a simple phone call — we’re happy to give free advice, and if we can solve your problem over the phone, we will!

Of course, if there’s a need to visit in person, we’ll make it quick and convenient according to your schedule. Contact us any time!

We proudly serve communities all around Greater Seattle, including the following cities and neighborhoods:

• Ballard
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