How to Fix a Leaky Faucet, Part 1

When it comes to plumbing problems, a simple thing like a leaky faucet can be such a pain. Its constant dripping noise can keep you up at night. In the next few posts, I will describe how to fix it:

Before you start be sure to shut off the water under the sink, close the sink drain and cover it with a rag to catch dropped parts. You’ll also want to tape the jaws of your wrench with a layer of duct tape to avoid scratching the fixture. It may also be a good idea to find a place to lay out parts in the order of their removal as well as get some distilled white vinegar and a soft scouring pad to remove mineral deposits on faucet parts.

There are four types of faucets. (If you are unsure as to which one you have, you can quickly Google the terms for pictures.) I will describe how to fix each in the next few blog posts. Let’s start with your standard compression faucet.

Compression Faucets

A leaky compression faucet is the result of faulty seat washers. You can easily replace them. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle, remove the handle screw, pull off the handle and, using a crescent wrench, unscrew the packing nut. Unscrew the stem, then remove and replace the seat washer held in place by a brass screw. You’ll then want to coat the washers with a nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease. Remove the stem for the packing nut and replace the o-ring. Make sure to get the correct size of o-ring, as they range from 3/8 – 5/8 inch. Coat the new o-ring with the plumber’s grease and then reassemble the faucet and tighten the packing nut.

Now, if you’ve done all that and the faucet still continues to leak, it’s possible the seat may be pitted. To fix this, remove the stem and smoothly grind the valve seat with a valve-seat dresser – a tool you will temporarily screw down into the faucet.

Stay tuned and I’ll talk about ball-type faucets.