Do you have a leaking faucet tap? Today we are going to explain how you can fix it without causing any damage.
We have over 25 years experience in the plumbing and water softener industry and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
We will give you a step by step guide with pictures showing you how you can fix a leaking faucet tap. So, let's get started.
Learn how to fix a leaking faucet tap
Leaking Faucet Tap: How To Fix It Without Causing Damage
A leaking faucet tap can be incredibly annoying over time. Eventually, it can get worse and result in a lot of wasted water. Fixing it is not too difficult if you have the time and the proper tools.
Follow the steps below or, if you prefer, you can contact the professionals at WaterSmart to do the repair for you quickly and affordably.
Before You Start: Turn off your water supply and plug your drain
Do not attempt any plumbing tasks before you turn off your water supply. Take a look under your sink to find the handles that will turn off the water supply to your sink.
You will want to turn the handle clockwise as far as it will go. Turn on you tap until the water stops to test that you have turned off the water supply properly.
Next, put a stopper into your drain or plug it with an old rag. This is important so that you don't accidentally lose a screw or other small parts down your drain as you’re working.
Turn off your water supply before you begin
Figure out Which Type of Faucet You Are Fixing
There are 4 types of faucets. Each type is a bit different to fix.
Compression Faucet: A compression has two separate handles, one for hot and one for cold water.
Ceramic-disk Faucet: A ceramic-disk faucet has one central swivelling arm that you swing from hot to cold and contains a ceramic cylinder inside.
Cartridge Faucet: A cartridge faucet also has one central swivelling arm and it contains a cartridge inside. It often has a decorative cap.
Ball Faucet: Like the ceramic and cartridge faucets, ball faucets have the single swivelling arms but inside they contain a ball bearing.
Source: WikiHow
Different types of faucets require different repair steps
How to Fix a Leaking Faucet Tap on Compression Faucets
Step 1: Remove Both Handles
If your handles have a decorative cap, you need to pop them off. You can usually use the edge of a screwdriver or a butter knife to do this, but do it gently so that you don't damage the caps.
Unscrew the screw inside that is holding your handles in place. With a screwdriver, turn it counterclockwise. Lift off the handles.
Step 2: Remove the Nut to Get to Your Seat Washer
Using a wrench, unscrew the exposed nut. Under the nut you will see the stem. This is the part that sits on top or your O-ring, which in turn sits on top of a seat washer.
Seat washers are usually made from rubber. Over time the rubber wears out so that the handle on your tap cannot turn off completely. This causes a leaking faucet tap.
A compression faucet has two handles
Step 3: Remove the O-ring or the Seat Washer
If your handles themselves are leaking and not your faucet, then you need to replace the O-ring. If your faucet itself is leaking, then you will need to replace your seat washer.
When you pull out the stem, you will see both an O-ring and a washer. The O-ring will be thinner than the seat washer. The seat washer will be held in place by an upside-down brass screw.
Take the worn parts with you to the hardware store so that you know exactly which type and size of replacement part you need.
Watch how to repair a leaking faucet tap - Compression style
Step 4: Replace the O-ring of Seat Washer
Using plumber's grease, cover the replacement seat washer or O-ring and then put it back in place. Re-assemble the parts of your handles in the order that you removed them.
*Tip: When removing parts, line them up in the order that you took them off so that you can easily remember what order to put them back together.
How to Fix a Leaking Faucet Tap on Ceramic Faucets
Step 1: Remove the Handle and Escutcheon Cap
Unscrew and remove the handle on your ceramic faucet. The escutcheon is the metal plate that sits right under the handle. Remove this plate as well.
Step 2: Remove the Disk Cylinder and Clean It
Using a wrench, unscrew and remove the disk cylinder. You will see several neoprene seals underneath.
Pry out these seals and place them and the cylinders in a container of white vinegar. Let them soak for several hours to remove any build-up.
If the seals are still in good shape, you can leave them. However, if they look pitted, frayed, thin or worn-out, take them to the hardware store and buy exact replacements.
Watch how to fix a leaking faucet tap: Ceramic faucets
Step 3: Re-assemble Your Handle
Put your handle back together in the same order that you took it apart.
*Tip: When you turn the water back on again, do it slowly. Fast water pressure can crack the ceramic disk inside.
How to Fix a Leaking Faucet Tap on Cartridge Faucets
Step 1: Remove the Decorative Cap and Handle
Pop off the decorative cap, if you have one, and unscrew the exposed screw counterclockwise. Remove the handle by tilting it backwards.
Step 2: Remove the Cartridge
If your cartridge has a retaining clip, you need to remove it by pulling it out with pliers. It will look like a plastic, circular, threaded piece that is holding your cartridge in place. Pull the cartridge so that it stands straight up.
Watch how to repair a leaking faucet tap: Cartridge faucets
Step 3: Take off the Faucet Spout and Replace O-rings
Using pliers, remove the faucet spout by pulling upwards. Locate the O-rings and cut them off using a utility knife. Coat the new O-rings in plumber's grease and replace them back onto the spout.
Step 4: Put Your Faucet Back Together
Put all the pieces of your faucet back together in the order you took it apart.
How to Fix a Leaking Faucet Tap on Ball Faucets
Step 1: Purchase a Ball Faucet Cam Assembly
Before you begin to repair your ball faucet, you will need to purchase a ball faucet cam assembly from your local home repair shop. This kit should include not only the part to complete the repair, but also the tools that you will need.
Step 2: Remove the Handle, Cap and Collar
Unscrew and lift off the swivel handle of your faucet and place it to one side. Using a set of pliers, unscrew the cap and collar.
Find out the complete steps to repair a ball faucet
Step 3: Remove the Faucet Cam
Using the special tool provided in the kit you purchased, loosen the faucet cam. You can then remove the cam, washer and ball. The ball will actually resemble a "ball and socket" joint in your body. It's usually a white rubber ball that plugs the socket and stops the water.
Step 4: Take out the Seals and Springs
Reach into the mechanism with needle-nose pliers and take out the seals and springs.
Step 5: Replace O-Rings, Springs, Valve Seats and Cam Washers
All of these parts should be included in your replacement kit. Cut off the old O-rings to remove them. Cover the new rings with plumbers grease and attach to the mechanism.
Replace the parts that you removed in Step 4 with the new ones in the same order that you removed them. Finish by screwing your handle back in place.
WaterSmart: For All Your Plumbing Needs
Having problems with your leaking faucet tap? You can trust WaterSmart with all of your plumbing needs. We are your local plumbing experts in the Kitchener-Waterloo region proudly celebrating 25 year of professional service.
If you are having problems with your sewer or would like to have it inspected, contact us today. We also provide a full range of other plumbing services that include but are not limited to:
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Leaks
Toilets and Taps
Clogged or Slow Drains
Countertop Pre and Post Installation
Dishwasher Installations
Sump Pumps
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
New Plumbing and Renovations
Master Plumber and Gas Fitter
Backflow Testing or Device Installation - see specials for savings
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