Fixing That Faucet

Leaky water faucets not only cause annoyance to the homeowner, but are also very costly. Even small leaks can result in three gallons of water being wasted per day, and can cause permanent water stains in your sink.

If your faucet is a washer-type (aka compression) model, and the leak is coming from the base of the handle, there is probably simply a loose connection that must be tightened. To do this, just locate the nut which can be found below the handle (or inside the handle in some designer faucets) and tighten. Other reasons why a washer-type model might leak are (i) the stem may be badly worn or torn, or (ii) there may be a faulty washer seat. Both of these problems can be fixed by the homeowner or with the assistance of a plumber.

If, however, the problem is a slow leak from the faucet, water collecting behind the faucet's handle, or water running or dripping from the handles, most likely the washer simply needs to be replaced.

Replacing a washer is a simple task that can be done without a plumber's help, just by taking the steps set forth below. Remember, however, that should you have difficulty with any of these steps, or if the faucet continues to leak after replacing the washer, it is best to consult with a licensed plumber.

Turn off the water being supplied to the faucet in question. If there is a shutoff valve under the leaking fixture, the water should be turned off at that point. If, however, your house is not equipped with shutoffs for individual fixtures, the entire water supply to your home will need to be turned off. This can be done by turning off, the main water shutoff valve, which is usually located in a home's utility room or basement.

Disassemble the faucet. To do so, first unscrew or snap off the decorative cap in the handle and loosen the screw which can be found beneath the cap. If necessary, use oil such as WD-40 to loosen. Next, pry or lift the handle from its stem, and remove the packing nut found beneath the handle with an adjustable wrench or slip-joint pliers, exposing the remainder of the stem. Twist out the stem by turning it the same way you would to turn on the faucet.

Holding the stem in your hand, find the old washer, which is held in place by a screw on the bottom end of the stem. Take out the screw that holds the washer and examine the washer. If it has a groove worn in it, or is pressed flat, the washer is worn and should be replaced. To do so, go to a hardware store and, using the old washer as a guide, purchase a new washer of the identical size and style (beveled or flat, designed for cold water or for both hot and cold water).

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