How to Fix a Dripping Faucet

Faucet drips are an extremely common occurrence among homeowners. Most of us have probably experienced the pesky drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet at some point or another. Dripping faucets lead to water waste and higher utility bills. In fact, a leaking sink faucet dripping at a rate of one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year.

While it may seem like a huge inconvenience, fixing a dripping faucet can often be quick and inexpensive. In this guide, we’ll share how to fix a dripping faucet in five simple steps. We’ll also explain when it’s time to call a professional plumber when DIY fixes aren’t working.

Why Faucets Drip

Wondering why your faucet has started dripping? You’re not alone. Here are the most common reasons a faucet leaks.

• Worn-out washers or O-rings: In compression faucets, rubber washers can get worn down from friction, creating a gap where water can escape. O-rings can also become worn or loose, causing connection gaps and leakage around the handle.
• Faulty cartridges: More modern faucets utilize cartridges to control water flow. Damaged cartridges can fail to seal properly which causes water to escape from the spout.
• Corrosion or mineral buildup: A corroded valve seat can lead to persistent dripping over time. Mineral buildup is caused by the water’s mineral content. Hard water deposits limescale that eventually corrodes internal components.
• Improper installation: If your faucet was installed incorrectly, there’s a high chance of it leaking. A faucet should be properly installed for optimal performance.

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Now that you understand the causes of a dripping faucet, let’s delve into how to fix a leaky faucet. Here are the tools and supplies you’ll need for the dripping faucet repair:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver set
• Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridge
• Plumber’s grease
• Towels or bucket

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Dripping Faucet

Step 1: Turn off Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to stop the faucet from continuously leaking. This will make it easier to disassemble the handle and access the components later. To turn off the water supply, shut off the valve under your sink. If there aren’t individual shut-off valves, turn off the water supply to your whole house.

Step 2: Identify Faucet Type

Next, identify what type of faucet you have (compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk). The type of faucet you have will determine what parts may need to be replaced. For instance, in a cartridge faucet repair, you will need to install a new cartridge or faucet stem to control the flow of water.

Step 3: Disassemble Handle and Access Parts

After you’ve determined the type of faucet you have, it’s time to take off the handle. How you remove the handle depends on the faucet type. You may have a single or double handle or a twisting ball. Typically, you will need to loosen a screw to remove the handle. Then, assess the internal components for wear or damage.

Step 4: Inspect and Replace Washer, O-ring, or Cartridge

The next step is to replace the worn internal component. Depending on the type of faucet you have, this will either be a washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Be sure to know the faucet’s manufacturer and model number to find the proper replacement part.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test Faucet

Once you’ve replaced the washer, O-ring, or cartridge, put the handle back on the faucet and test if it still leaks. The faucet should have stopped leaking. If leaks persist, consider calling a professional plumbing service.

Faucet Types and Repairs

There are a handful of different types of faucets common in American homes. These include:

• Compression faucets: This type of faucet uses a rubber washer at the end of a threaded stem to control water flow.
• Cartridge faucets: As the name implies, cartridge faucets utilize a cartridge component to regulate the flow of water.
• Ball faucets: Common in bathrooms and older homes, ball faucets have a single rounded handle. Their washerless design makes them more prone to leaks.
• Ceramic disk faucets: This faucet type uses two hard ceramic disks to control the faucet’s water flow and temperature. The disks create an airtight seal and are resistant to corrosion from mineral build-up.

Preventing Future Drips

To prevent future drips, it’s essential to regularly clean your faucet to avoid mineral build-up and wear and tear. Routine maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your faucet and prevent leaks.

Additionally, avoid over-tightening handles when repairing your dripping faucet. Tightening the handles too much can cause damage to internal components and lead to more leaking.

If leaks return, get your faucet professionally inspected. Professional plumbers, like those at Dauenhauer Plumbing, will ensure your faucet isn’t wasting water and save you money on your water bills.

When to Call a Plumber

There are numerous reasons to call in a professional plumber to assess your dripping faucet.

• If leaks persist after DIY repair: Sometimes an at-home repair doesn’t resolve the dripping. In this case, a professional plumber will know what to do to stop the leak.
• Corrosion or damage beyond simple fixes: You may notice severe corrosion or damage when trying to repair the faucet yourself. If this is the case, a simple at-home fix isn’t enough. Call a licensed plumber to handle serious leaks.
• For full faucet replacement: If you suspect you may need a full faucet replacement, call in a professional. Faucet replacements require service from a trained professional.

Dauenhauer Plumbing Services

Prompt leaking faucet repair is critical to avoid wasted water and increased utility bills. If you’re in need of Kentucky plumbing services, we can help. Dauenhauer Plumbing provides professional plumbing services in Louisville and Lexington.

Contact us for faucet maintenance, faucet washer replacement, faucet installation, and more. For reliable faucet repair and plumbing services in Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Shelbyville, reach out today!