How Do I Stop My Bathroom Faucet From Leaking

How to Stop Your Bathroom Faucet From Leaking

A leaking bathroom faucet is a common problem that can waste water and increase your water bill. It can also be annoying to listen to the constant dripping sound. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is usually a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.

There are several different types of bathroom faucets, but the most common type is a compression faucet. Compression faucets have a washer that creates a seal between the faucet body and the spout. Over time, this washer can wear out and start to leak. Replacing the washer is a simple and inexpensive way to fix a leaking compression faucet.

Another common type of bathroom faucet is a cartridge faucet. Cartridge faucets have a cartridge that contains the seals that prevent water from leaking. If the cartridge fails, it will need to be replaced. Replacing a cartridge is more difficult than replacing a washer, but it is still a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with the right tools.

If you are not sure what type of faucet you have, you can usually find out by looking at the manufacturer's website or by calling the manufacturer's customer service department.

Once you know what type of faucet you have, you can follow these steps to stop the leak:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the aerator from the spout of the faucet.
Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut.
Remove the packing nut and the old washer.
Apply a thin layer of plumber's grease to the new washer.
Place the new washer on the packing nut and tighten the nut.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

If you are replacing a cartridge, the steps will be slightly different. You will need to remove the handle of the faucet, then use a wrench to loosen and remove the cartridge. Apply a thin layer of plumber's grease to the new cartridge and insert it into the faucet body. Tighten the cartridge and replace the handle.

If you are not comfortable replacing the washer or cartridge yourself, you can call a plumber to do the job for you. However, replacing a leaking faucet is a relatively simple task that you can usually do yourself with a few basic tools.