QUESTION: How do I repair a leaking faucet on my bathroom sink? My bathroom faucet constantly drips water. The faucet is turned off but still leaks. The faucet has 2 handles and leaks 1 drop every 5 seconds. What is the easiest way to fix my leaking bathroom faucet?
ANSWER: A part in the faucet is worn out and needs to be replaced. Depending on the type of your double handle faucet, the faucet contains either a CARTRIDGE, COMPRESSION/REVERSE COMPRESSION, or CERAMIC DISC type. These components wear out with time and will need to be replaced or repaired when found to be leaking.
Which side is leaking on my faucet?
To find out which side is causing the leak, turn off one of the water supply valves under the sink. If the water stops leaking, then you found the correct side that is leaking. If the water still leaks from the faucet, then you know the other side is leaking. Remember to turn off both water supply valves when repairing your leaking faucet.
Fix leaking faucet (Quick step-by-step):
To fix a leaking double handle faucet, you will need to remove the cartridge, compression/valve stem, or ceramic disc. This worn out component causes water to leak either from the faucet itself or under the handles. Remove this part from the faucet handle and match it up with a new one or replace the seals/o-rings/gaskets. Use a faucet repair kit when replacing seals or o-rings.
Repair Faucet Leak – Step-By-Step
1 – Turn off water supply
2 – Loosen set screw
3 – Remove handle
4 – Remove nut
5 – Replace cartridge or repair valve stem
6 – Reassemble
7 – Turn water supply on and test
Fix Leaking Faucet (Detailed Step-By-Step)
Fix Leaky Faucet (Tools Needed):
– Flat Screwdriver
– Phillips Screwdriver
– Adjustable Wrench
– Needle-Nose Pliers
– Hex/Allen Wrenches
Optional Tools/Parts Needed:
– Seat Removal Tool
– Plumbers Grease
– Faucet Cartridge/Valve Stem
– Valve Stem Repair Kit
There are 3 types of faucets explained below, Compression Type (Valve Stem), Cartridge (Cartridge), or Ceramic Disc (Cylinder).
How To Repair Compression Faucet Leaking Water (Reverse Compression)
1. Turn both water supply lines to the faucet OFF.
2. Loosen the set screw on the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet handle/knob.
4. Unscrew and remove the valve stem.
5. Remove screw, gasket, o-rings, and washers from stem.
6. Apply plumbers grease to stem.
7. Install new screw, gasket, o-rings, and washers to stem.
8. Remove valve seat from faucet.
9. Drop in the new valve seat into faucet.
10. Install the repaired valve stem.
11. Put the knob or handle back in place.
12. Tighten the set screw on the handle/knob.
13. Turn both water supply lines back ON.
14. Test faucet.
FAUCET REPAIR KITS
FAUCET VALVE STEM REPLACEMENTS
How To Fix A Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet
How To Repair Cartridge Faucet Leaking Water
1. Turn both water supply lines to the faucet OFF.
2. Loosen the set screw on the faucet handle.
3. Take the faucet handle off.
4. Remove the retaining clip/nut.
5. Pull cartridge out. (use pliers to pull up and out)
6. Drop in a brand new cartridge.
7. Install the retaining clip/nut.
8. Put faucet handle back on.
9. Tighten set screw on handle.
10. Turn both water supply lines back ON.
11. Test faucet.
FAUCET CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENTS
Repair Cartridge Faucet Leaking Water
How To Repair Ceramic Disc Faucet Leaking Water
1. Turn both water supply lines to the faucet OFF.
2. Loosen the set screw on the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet handle or knob.
4. Unscrew the retainer nut.
5. Take out the worn cylinder. (use pliers to pull up and out)
6. Add plumbers grease to new cylinder. (optional)
7. Slide new cylinder into place.
8. Reattach nut to secure cylinder (do not over tighten)
9. Slide faucet handle into place.
10. Tighten the set screw on the faucet handle.
11. Turn both water supply lines back ON.
12. Test faucet.
CERAMIC DISC (CYLINDER) REPLACEMENTS
The leak repair methods above will work with faucets in a kitchen, bathtub, shower, and bathroom.
Bathroom Faucet Double Handle Parts Diagram
Need help with a leaking faucet? Leave your question below and we can assist to fix your leaky faucet.
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