How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Tips and Tricks for DIYers

Leaky faucets are perhaps the most common and frustrating household problem, capable of driving anyone nuts with their constant drip. But a leaky faucet is not bothersome to us alone: an unaddressed leaky faucet that drips per second results in the loss of 3,000 gallons of water every year. If left unfixed, the annoyance of water dripping on pooling water can aggravate into a bigger problem that can quadruple your utility bills. 

Smoothly functioning faucets are the hallmark of a well-groomed house, so ensuring that yours are in good working condition is vital. And you don’t necessarily have to call a specialized plumber or look for the best pool deck coating in Santa Monica: you can DIY your way through this process if the leak is because of corrosion, mineral deposits, or defective parts. 

With the right tools and the right guide, you can find out how inexpensive, quick, and easy it is to repair a leaky faucet. Well, the guide is here, so you better grab your tools and get to work! 

How To Fix A Leaky Cartridge Faucet 

Remove the handle’s decorative cap and the handle screw to pull it off by tilting it back. 

1. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the threaded retaining clip (if any) that may hold the cartridge in place. Remove the cartridge by pulling it straight up. 
2. Take a utility knife to remove the spout and cut off the malfunctioning old O-rings. Put new O-rings and coat them with heat-proof, nontoxic plumber’s grease. 
3. Make sure you match the length of your old cartridge with the replacement’s length to replace it. Also, match the stem end where the handle attaches to the faucet. 

How To Fix A Ceramic Disk Faucet

1. Access the set screw by pushing the handle back, removing the screw, and lifting the handle off. 
2. Take the escutcheon cap off and remove the cylinder by unscrewing the disk cylinder on top of the screws. 
3. Take out the neoprene seals embedded in the cylinder. Use a blunt screwdriver to do so. Replace the seals if they are damaged. 
4. Take a soft scouring pad and distilled white vinegar to clean the openings of your cylinder. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly to avoid remnants. 
5. Replace the seals and set the faucet and the handle. 
6. Turn the handle on but make sure that you turn the water back on very slowly, as the returning water can rupture the ceramic disk with its force. 
7. If your entire cylinder needs replacing, make sure that you set it in place accurately and secure it with new mounting screws to ensure efficiency. 

How To Fix A Leaky Ball-Type Faucet

A ball-type faucet is assembled with a number of parts, making it more challenging to assemble. But you can avoid this hassle by using a replacement kit and fixing all new parts in your faucet.

1. Take the small index cover from the faucet’s side and uncover the hex-head screw. You can use a small pocket knife for this. 
2. Use a hex-key wrench to loosen the screw. Pull the faucet handle once loose. 
3. Remove the collar and cap using adjustable pliers and loosen the faucet cam with the special tools of every faucet repair kit. Lift it out along with the rotating ball and cam washer. 
4. Remove the rubber springs and seats from the faucet body using needle-nose pliers. 
5. Fix a new spring and rubber seat into your faucet. A great way to tackle this tricky step is to slip it on the tip of a pencil. 
6. Install the second seat and spring this way as well. 
7. Reinstall the stainless-steel ball but make sure that you place it in a position that aligns with its keyway and the associated tab in the faucet’s body. 
8. Instal a new rubber gasket and cam can on the top of the stainless-steel ball and align the keyway on the cap. 
9. Make sure that you tighten the top cap assembly onto the faucet accurately. 
10. Your faucet should have enough tension against the stainless steel ball, so tighten the nut using a spanner wrench securely. 

Wrapping Up 

You do not always have to undergo the arduous hassle of calling a plumber and making an appointment simply to fix a leaky faucet. There is nothing you cannot do yourself, especially after going through our guide! If you want more information, visit here to related post to learn more.