Fixing A Leaking Faucet : Everything you’ll need

A leaking faucet is one homeowners headache and nightmare. When homeowners run into this problem and they often try to solve it themselves. Sometimes fixing a leaking faucet can be easy like the steps listed below and sometimes you may need to call for pro. Fill out our free estimate request and we’d love to help you out.

Step 1 : Identify your faucet type

• Ball Faucet : Ball faucets used in kitchens and they have a single handle attached to a rounded cap, directly above the spout. The handle moves a plastic or metal ball inside the faucet body and controls the flow of water.
• Cartridge Faucet – Two handles : Cartridge faucets utilize a movable stem cartridge and moves up and down to control the flow of water. You can identify a cartridge faucet by turning the knob and feeling it move with an up and down motion.
• Disc Faucet : One of the newest faucet designs and style. ceramic disk faucets have a single lever on top of a wide cylindrical body. The disc faucet mixes hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber called a pressure balance cartridge.
• Compression Washer Faucet : One of the oldest faucet designs. Compression faucet by its two handle to stop the flow of water.

Step 2 : Repair

Determine the source of the leak and if the faucet is leaking from the spout there is probably a damaged part inside the faucet itself and if the base is leaking it’s probably an o-ring or seal. Locate the water source and hose under your sink and turn off the flow of water. Open your faucet handle and remove any remaining pressure in the lines. Place a rag over the drain hole to protect and prevent losing any parts. 
Remove the faucet handle using a hex wrench and remove the metal cap. If the faucet base is leaking, slide the spout off and replace the damaged o-rings underneath and if the faucet spout is leaking, remove the faucet handle and cap. Disassemble the internal parts or cartridge and lay the parts out in order and snap a picture with your phone so you don’t forget how to reassemble. Replacing only single broken part is an option, it’s better to replace the entire cartridge. Take your internal parts to the plumbing store and find the correct replacement assembly.