Author name: Raza

I still remember my first experience fixing the leaky faucet. I had a faucet in my bathroom, and it had been leaking for weeks. Everyone just ignored it, thinking it was too hard to fix. But then, I decided to learn and fix it myself one afternoon. It only took me 40 minutes to fix the faucet, and I learned it from watching some videos online. I found out that the cause of the leak was just a small rubber washer, smaller than a coin. I learned that fixing the faucet would cost me less than one dollar! It is really easy to fix a faucet, and all you need to do is to first identify the type of faucet you have, then turn off the water supply, replace the faulty part inside the faucet, and finally, put everything back together again. This process would only take you 30-60 minutes for the first time, but it would get faster and faster as you do it again and again! This is a step-by-step guide on fixing leaky faucets, and this guide includes all 4 types of faucets. All you need to do is look at your faucet and find out what kind of faucet you have. Don’t worry, it is really easy! Recognising the Causes of Faucet Leaks Before you begin reaching for that wrench, it’s nice to know what’s really going on with that leak. Well, let’s just say that all faucet leaks begin for only one reason: something inside the faucet is either damaged or no longer makes a perfect seal. What that something is will depend on what kind of faucet you have. In older compression-type faucets, it’s almost always the rubber washer. In cartridge-type faucets, it’s the cartridge itself. In ball-type faucets, it’s the little springs and seats that corrode. In ceramic disc-type faucets, it’s the ceramic discs that crack or are encrusted with mineral deposits. The good news is that all these parts are replaceable for between $3 and $20. In all cases, it’s less expensive than what it would cost to hire a plumber for one hour. Key Insight: “A dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually,” states the Environmental Protection Agency. “At current water rates, that’s a $20 to $35 annual increase in your water bills – and it’s all coming from a leaky faucet!” What You’ll Need — Tools and Materials Gather all of this before you start. You do not want to be halfway into disassembling a faucet and realize that you do not have a particular piece! Tools Materials Pro Tip: Take a picture of your faucet brand, which is normally located at the base of the faucet or on the faucet handle, and the old part you removed before you head to Home Depot. I always do this before I head to Home Depot, and it takes less than 2 minutes to find a replacement by showing it to a Home Depot Associate. Step 1. Identify Your Faucet Type There are 4 different types of common faucets used for homes in the US. Each has its installation procedure; therefore, it is important to know the type of faucet used in your home before carrying out any repair works to avoid purchasing the wrong parts. 1. Compression Faucet Separate handles for hot and cold water. You physically press (compress) a rubber washer against a seat every time you turn it off. These are the oldest types of faucets and are likely to leak more often. Replacing the rubber washer solves the problem most often and only costs $1. 2. Cartridge Faucet A faucet with either one handle or two works by opening and closing the cartridge inside with the turning of the handle. This type of faucet is ubiquitous in homes, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. In case of leakage, it is caused by the cartridge’s deterioration and requires replacement. 3. Ball Faucet Another type of single-handle faucet is one that rotates over a rounded cap. For its use, one must turn left for hot water and right for cold water; it is controlled by turning it up and down. This type of faucet is commonly used in kitchen sinks. This type of faucet contains more parts, such as the spring, seat, and O-rings. Therefore, it is more difficult to repair compared to the other types of single-handle faucets. 4. Ceramic Disc Faucet A wide lever rests on top of a sturdy, flat, cylindrical body. These parts are surprisingly durable and leak-proof, which is good because the leak usually comes from mineral buildup on the ceramic discs and not because the parts are broken. Step 2. Turn Off the Water Supply This step is what keeps your repair from turning into a flood. Don’t skip it. Look under the sink, and you’ll find two small oval valves on the pipes coming from the wall, hot and cold. Turn both of these valves clockwise until they won’t turn any further. This shuts off water to this faucet alone, without affecting the rest of the house. Once you’ve done this, you can start running water to drain any pressure in the pipes. Keep it running and dripping until all is quiet. Then you can begin. Safety Note: If you find that the valves under your sink are stuck or stiff, don’t try to force them to turn. If they are corroded, they could snap or even crack, and you could end up with a flood. Pro Tip: If you cannot locate the shut-off valves under the sink, try to trace the water supply lines to the main water shut-off valve. This is usually located in the basement, utility room, crawl space, or outside the home near the foundation. Step 3. Remove the Faucet Handle With the water turned off, you can begin disassembling the handle to access the inner parts. Pro Tip: Before Disassembly, take a clean photo of the faucet’s interior. I learned this the hard way