Leaky Faucet Repair Made Easy for Homeowners

A leaky faucet is more than just an annoyance; it’s wasted water, higher bills, and that drip-drip-drip that keeps you up at night. The good news? Leaky faucet repair is one of the simplest DIY plumbing projects you can tackle.

Whether you’re dealing with a dripping faucet in the bathroom or kitchen faucets with loose handles, this guide will walk you through the causes, tools, and steps to fix a leaky faucet like a pro.

Why Do Faucets Leak?

A leaking faucet can come from many sources, depending on the faucet type:

• Worn-out rubber washers or seat washers (common in compression faucets).
• Damaged O-rings that no longer seal the faucet body.
• A broken or clogged faucet cartridge.
• A corroded valve seat causing leaks at the spout.
• Loose faucet components such as a packing nut, retaining nut, or handle screw.
• Mineral deposits and mineral buildup that wear down seals over time.
• Excessive home water pressure stresses the parts.

💡 Fact: Just one drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water every year, which is a real hit to your water bill.

Tools You’ll Need for Faucet Repair

Before starting, gather these tools and replacement parts:

• Adjustable wrench or adjustable pliers
• Screwdrivers (Phillips, flathead, and sometimes an Allen wrench)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Utility knife (for cutting old O-rings)
• Faucet repair kit with washers, O-rings, and cartridges
• Seat wrench (for damaged valve seats)
• Silicone grease or plumber’s grease (always apply plumber’s grease to seals)
• Towels and a small bucket to catch water
• Rag or sink stopper to prevent losing small parts down the drain

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Leaky Faucet

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

• Locate the water supply valves under the sink.
• Shut off both hot and cold water.
• Open the faucet to control water flow and release pressure.

✅ PRO TIP: Plug the drain with a rag so small faucet parts don’t fall through.

2. Remove the Handle

• Pry off the decorative cap.
• Unscrew the handle screw with a screwdriver or hex key.
• Gently pull off the handle.

3. Inspect the Faucet Components

• Check the O-rings, seat washer, and faucet cartridge for cracks, wear, or corrosion.
• For ceramic disk faucet models, check neoprene seals; ball faucets need inspection of springs and seals.

4. Replace Faulty Parts

• Swap worn washers and O-rings with new O-rings of the same size.
• For cartridge faucets, pull out the old cartridge (sometimes referred to as “cartridge straight” removal) and install a new one.
• Clean or remove mineral deposits with white vinegar.
• Lubricate with silicone grease before reassembly.

5. Reassemble the Faucet

• Replace handles, tighten the packing nut, and the retaining nut.
• Replace the decorative cap.
• Slowly turn on the water supply and test.

Types of Faucets and Common Repairs

• Compression faucets: Replace the seat washer and O-ring.
• Cartridge faucets: Replace the faucet cartridge.
• Ball faucets: Replace seals, springs, and cam washer.
• Ceramic disk faucet: Replace neoprene seals, clean with white vinegar.

👉 PRO TIP: Take old faucet parts to your local hardware store to match exact replacement parts.

How to Prevent Faucet Leaks

• Inspect faucet components every 6 months.
• Clean and lubricate moving parts with plumber’s grease or silicone grease.
• Remove mineral deposits with vinegar to prevent mineral buildup.
• Avoid over-tightening handles on newer faucets.
• Install a regulator if your water pressure is consistently above 60 psi.
• Moderate hot water and cold water shifts to avoid stress on seals.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

DIY works for many faucet repairs, but call for professional assistance if:

• The faucet body is cracked.
• The leak continues even after you replace washers or cartridges.
• Corrosion has spread beyond the faucet components.

Conclusion

Fixing a dripping faucet isn’t just about saving money, it’s about stopping wasted water and preventing long-term damage. With the right tools and a little patience, you can repair most faucet leaks yourself.

Need help beyond DIY? Homeowners in the North Okanagan can rely on Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services for expert plumbing repair, offering same-day service and trusted local care.

📖 Read More: Common Plumbing Problems: A Complete Guide for Canadian Homeowners