How To Fix a Leaky Faucet

  • December 29, 2008
  • 38,800 Views
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There are many kinds of faucets, but chances are your leaky fixture is a compression faucet — and it’s a snap to fix.

You Will Need

  • An adjustable wrench
  • A screwdriver
  • A new washer
  • A rag
  • String, wicking, or plumber's putty
How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Tighten the nut

Step 1: Tighten the nut

Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the screw that attaches it, which is often covered by a decorative cap you’ll need to carefully pry off. Using your wrench, try tightening the packing nut, which is the nut at the base of the handle’s stem. Some leaks are simply caused by a loose nut.

Put a rag over the drain to catch any small parts you might drop.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Turn off water

Step 2: Turn off water

If tightening the nut doesn’t solve the problem, you might have to replace the washer. Locate the shut-off valve for the faucet you are repairing and turn off the water.

The shut-off valve will most likely be beneath the sink. If not, follow the pipes until you find it. Turn the valve’s handle to the right to shut off the water.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Empty the faucet

Step 3: Empty the faucet

Open the faucet by twisting the top of the stem until all remaining water in the pipes flows out.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Remove the stem assembly

Step 4: Remove the stem assembly

Unscrew the packing nut to remove the entire piece that holds the stem, called the stem assembly.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Replace the washer

Step 5: Replace the washer

If your faucet has a washer on the bottom of the stem assembly, remove the screw holding it on. Replace the old washer with a new one, then tighten the screw.

The correct size washer is critical; to be on the safe side, take your old one to the hardware store when buying a new one.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Wrap the nut

Step 6: Wrap the nut

If your faucet doesn’t have a washer, wrap the packing nut with string or wicking (available at hardware stores), which will act as a washer. Or put a thin line of plumber’s putty around the threads at the bottom of the stem assembly.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Reassemble

Step 7: Reassemble

Replace the stem assembly and tighten the packing nut.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet: Turn water on

Step 8: Turn water on

Attach the handle and turn the water back on by reopening the shut-off valve. Enjoy the blessed silence!

Fixing a leaky faucet can save up to 20 gallons of water a day!

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Comments (4)

sanjay

Just did this today!

over 3 years ago by sanjay

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lgut

but.. what if the faucet's handle in on top? the one you move side to side to choose water temp.... im having this problem.

over 3 years ago by lgut

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Ninjew

Here's irony for you. I followed my own instructions, and still couldn't fix my faucet! I found out that the fancy schmancy expensive fixture I bought for my kitchen sink happens to NOT be a standard compression faucet, and I can't even get the replacement part at the local hardware store! One of the rare times a do-it-yourself-er has to call the plumber...

over 3 years ago by Ninjew

Reply
John_Oden

real plumbers laugh at this video

about 1 year ago by John_Oden

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