How to Fix leaky faucet

CAUSES OF LEAKY FAUCETS

LEAKY FAUCET DUE TO DAMAGED CARTRIDGE 

If the faucet has two handles, one for hot water and the other for cold water, it’s a cartridge-style faucet. The cartridge is a valve that regulates the flow of water into each handle’s faucet spout. It’s a sign that the cartridge has been broken if your faucet is spilling water.

BROKEN WASHERS

Broken washers are a typical cause of leaking faucets. Washers are placed against the valve seat and might wear out over time due to friction. Leaking occurs as a result of this. Leaking can also occur if a washer is the wrong size or is not placed properly.

WATER PRESSURE

If you observe that your bathroom faucet only drops water at certain times or when the handles move in a certain way, it’s possible that the leaks are caused by your home’s water pressure.

MALFUNCTIONING O-RING

In the faucet of the sink, there is an O-ring. It’s a tiny disc that’s fastened to the faucet’s stem screw to keep the handle in place. O-rings, like washers, can wear out or become loose. This is most likely the source of any leaks from one of your faucet handles.

DETERIORATED VALVE SEAT

The valve seat could be leaking from the spout if your faucet is leaking from the spout. The spout is connected to the faucet by the valve seat. Sediment can collect in the seat, corroding it and producing a leak.

Steps to Fix leaky faucet 

Remove the leaky Faucet Handles

The method for removing the handles varies with every faucet. On most typical faucets, you can remove the decorative caps on top of the handle with a Flathead screwdriver, revealing the handle screws. Remove the handles by unscrewing them and pulling them off.

A hex setscrew in the handle holds some single-handle faucets in place; unscrew this screw and the handle should lift off with an upward pull. If the screws or other elements of the handle are corroded or difficult to remove, lubricate and loosen the parts with spray oil.

As you disassemble the faucet, keep the parts in order. Make a mental note of where they go and how to put them back together.

Remove the Cartridge

The inner valve stem or cartridge is seen when the faucet handle is removed. This component must be removed from the faucet’s body. Depending on the style of the faucet and the geometry of the pieces, different extraction techniques will be used.

The brass valve stem on some compression faucets unscrews from the valve body. In contrast, cartridge faucets use a plastic or brass cartridge assembly that pulls straight out of the faucet body. To liberate the cartridge, sometimes a collar nut or brass retaining clip needs to be removed. For instructions, consult an emergency plumber.

Inspect

Examine the bits of the stem or cartridge you just removed with care. Traditional rubber washers, rubber O-rings, and ring-shaped rubber seals may be used, depending on the faucet style. Large O-rings may be found around the body of single-handle faucets, which serves to seal the vent and prevent water from leaking all around the bottom of the faucet.

There could also be springs and rubber seals hidden inside the valve’s metal body. Make sure to inspect any pieces that can be removed thoroughly.

Clean the Valves

You can inspect the valve body—the brass assembly from which the stem or cartridge was removed—once all of the parts have been removed from the faucet. Mineral scale buildup may cause these brass parts to become roughened or pitted.

Allow the brass components to soak in white vinegar for several minutes. Then clean the surfaces with a nylon scour pad. The goal is to get the brass back to its original gleaming, polished state. Remove the stopper from the drain and rinse the valves with clean water to remove any dirt or debris.

If you’re preserving the old valve stem or cartridge, check it and clean it with vinegar and a scrub pad as well.

Put it together

Reassemble the faucet with care, reversing the sequence in which you disassembled it. Reconnect the water supply and check the faucet for leakage.