How To Fix A Bathroom Faucet That Is Leaking

How to Fix a Bathroom Faucet That Is Leaking

A leaking bathroom faucet can be a frustrating and costly problem. Not only does it waste water, but it can also lead to water damage in your bathroom. Fortunately, most leaks are relatively easy to fix with a few basic tools and supplies. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to fix a bathroom faucet that is leaking.

Identify the Source of the Leak

The first step in fixing a leaking faucet is to identify the source of the leak. The most common sources of leaks are:

The faucet handle
The faucet spout
The faucet base
The faucet supply lines

To identify the source of the leak, turn on the faucet and look for any visible leaks. If you can't see a leak, you can use a flashlight to look for leaks in hard-to-reach areas. You can also listen for the sound of dripping water to help you locate the leak.

Gather the Necessary Tools and Supplies

Once you have identified the source of the leak, you will need to gather the necessary tools and supplies to fix it. The tools and supplies you will need will depend on the type of leak you have. However, here is a general list of tools and supplies that you may need:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Allen wrench
Pliers
Flashlight
Replacement faucet handle
Replacement faucet spout
Replacement faucet base
Replacement faucet supply lines
Teflon tape
Plumber's putty

Fix the Leak

Once you have gathered the necessary tools and supplies, you can fix the leak. The steps on how to fix the leak will depend on the type of leak you have. Here are some general steps on how to fix the most common types of leaks:

Faucet Handle Leak:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the handle set screw.
Pull the handle off the faucet stem.
Replace the faucet handle washer.
Reattach the handle to the faucet stem.
Tighten the handle set screw.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Faucet Spout Leak:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the spout aerator.
Loosen the spout retaining nut.
Pull the spout off the faucet body.
Replace the spout washer.
Reattach the spout to the faucet body.
Tighten the spout retaining nut.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Faucet Base Leak:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the faucet handle.
Loosen the faucet base retaining nut.
Pull the faucet base off the faucet body.
Replace the faucet base washer.
Reattach the faucet base to the faucet body.
Tighten the faucet base retaining nut.
Reattach the faucet handle.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Faucet Supply Line Leak:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Loosen the nut that connects the supply line to the faucet.
Pull the supply line off the faucet.
Replace the supply line washer.
Reattach the supply line to the faucet.
Tighten the nut.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Conclusion

Fixing a leaking bathroom faucet is a relatively easy task that can be done in a few minutes. By following the steps in this article, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber and get your faucet working properly again in no time.