How Do I Fix a Leaky Faucet?

A leaking faucet is a common issue faced by property owners all over the country. If you do have a leaking faucet, you could find that it makes an annoying noise, wastes water, and could even cause more damage to your plumbing system. If you are looking to fix a leaky sink faucet, repairing it on your own can be a great option. There are various quick tips to stop a dripping faucet that could help you solve this issue in your home. 

Turn Off the Water

If you need to complete any type of home plumbing repair, the first thing that you need to do is turn off the water. There should be a valve underneath each sink that will stop the flow of water. If there is not, you may need to turn off all the water in your home. Once that is done, you should turn the faucet on to let out all the other water in the pipes. Doing this can help ensure you do not cause water damage when trying to repair the faucet.

Take the Current Faucet Apart

Once you have turned off the water, you will want to take the existing faucet apart. You will need to gather various tools, including your screwdrivers, a wrench set, and other hand tools. From there, you will want to gently take off the handle and stem. It would be a good idea to take a picture of the faucet after each part is removed to ensure you are able to remember where each part goes. Once that is done, you should be able to identify any parts that are damaged due to the leak. Generally, you will only need to replace the O-ring and washers connected to it.

Get New Materials and Install

Once you have taken off the O-ring, you will want to bring it to your local hardware store to ensure you get an exact match. This should not be hard as there are not too many sizes to choose from. Once you have purchased it, you should install the new O-ring and secure it in place. You can then put the rest of the faucet back together. It is important to put it together in the same order. Once that is done, you should be able to turn the water back on and enjoy a faucet without a leak.

As you are looking to improve your home, making repairs around your property is a good first step. One common issue that a lot of people have is dealing with a leaking faucet. While it may not seem like a big deal, these drips and small leaks can turn into larger problems later on. Because of this, it would be wise to fix it on your own as soon as you can. There are various tips and tricks you can follow that could help you fix a leaking faucet in your home.