How to Fix a Leaking Bathroom Sink Faucet
A drippy faucet may not seem like a big problem. But unfortunately, it can be extremely annoying and even waste a lot of water, leading to higher water bills.
Luckily, fixing a leaking faucet is one of the easiest plumbing tasks you can do on your own. With a few simple tools and a little bit of know-how, you can fix the leak and save yourself the cost of calling a plumber.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to fix a leaking bathroom sink faucet.
Determine the Type of Faucet
The first step is to determine the type of faucet you have. There are two main types of faucets: compression faucets and cartridge faucets.
Compression faucets have a washer that seals against the valve seat to stop the flow of water. Cartridge faucets have a cartridge that contains both the washer and the valve seat.
To determine the type of faucet you have, look at the handle. If the handle has a single knob or lever, it is a cartridge faucet. If the handle has two knobs or levers, it is a compression faucet.
Gather Your Tools
Once you know the type of faucet you have, you can gather the tools you need to fix the leak.
For compression faucets, you will need the following tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Replacement washer
For cartridge faucets, you will need the following tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Allen wrench
- Replacement cartridge
Fix the Leak
Now that you have the tools you need, you can fix the leak.
Compression Faucet
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
- Open the faucet to release any remaining water.
- Remove the handle by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
- Remove the packing nut by turning it counterclockwise.
- Remove the washer from the packing nut.
- Install a new washer on the packing nut.
- Reinstall the packing nut and tighten it clockwise.
- Reinstall the handle and tighten the screws.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Cartridge Faucet
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
- Open the faucet to release any remaining water.
- Remove the handle by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
- Remove the cap that covers the cartridge. On some faucets, you will need an Allen wrench to remove this cap.
- Pull out the cartridge and replace it with a new one. Always replace the cartridge with the same type of cartridge that you have. You can usually find the type of cartridge that you need printed on the cartridge itself.
- Reinstall the cap.
- Reinstall the handle.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Tips for Preventing Future Leaks
Here are a few tips for preventing future leaks:
- Don't overtighten the packing nut or cartridge.
- Replace the washer or cartridge every few years.
- Don't let the faucet handle hit the sink when it is turned off.
- If you have hard water, install a water softener.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent future leaks and keep your bathroom faucet working properly.
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