How to fix a leaky faucet?

Leaky faucets are annoying issues. They constantly remind you that you’re wasting water, and the drip sound is aggravating.
Repairing a leaking faucet is a simple task and an affordable project. The crucial step is to understand how to fix your specific type of faucet, which we’ll guide you through.
It’s crucial to practice maintenance tips before the faucet causes further issues. In this article, we will discuss how to fix a leaky faucet all by yourself by reading Near Plumber blogs.

Type of Faucets

Before you start fixing a leaky faucet, you need to know what type you have. While there are many different styles, there are really only four types of faucet assemblies.

Compression Faucet

This is the most basic type of faucet. It controls the flow of water by raising or lowering a tiny stem. Most “cheap” faucets are compression-style

How To Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet?

1. Remove the Decorative Cap: Use a screwdriver or utility knife to pry off the cap from the handle.

2. Detach the Handle: Unscrew the handle screw and remove the handle.

To detach the stem from the faucet body, Using a crescent wrench, loosen the packing nut and then use an adjustable wrench.

3. Replace the Seat Washer: Unscrew the rubber washer from the stem’s bottom and replace it—coat washers with heat-resistant plumbers’ grease.

4. Repair the O-ring: Remove the stem from the packing nut, replace the O-ring, and lubricate it. Make sure the O-ring size fits your faucet.
5. Check the Retainer: If the retainer ring is broken, replace it. Smooth any pitted seats with an emery cloth or replace them if required.

Ball Faucet Type

Ball faucets have a single handle that may be moved left or right to turn the water hot or cold.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Ball-Type?

1. Remove the Index Cover: Pry off the small index cover with a pocket knife to expose the hex-head screw.
2. Detach the Handle: Loosen the screw with a hex-key wrench and pull off the handle.
3. Remove Cap and Collar: Use adjustable pliers to remove the cap and collar.
4. Extract Components: Use the unique tool from the repair kit to loosen and remove the cam, washer, and rotating ball.
5. Replace Seats and Springs: Use needle-nose pliers to remove the old rubber seats and springs. Position the new seats and springs using a pencil.
6. Reassemble the Faucet: Reinstall the stainless-steel ball, ensuring it aligns with the keyway. Place a new rubber gasket and cam cap on top, aligning the keyway with the slot.
7. Secure the Assembly: Hand-tighten the top cap and use a spanner wrench to tighten the nut for proper tension.

Cartridge Faucet

1. Pry off the ornamental cap from the handle, then remove the handle screw, tilt the handle back, and take it off.

If the cartridge is kept in place by a threaded retaining clip then remove it using needle-nose pliers before pulling it straight up.

2. Remove the spout and cut off the old O-rings using a tool knife. Coat the new O-rings with non-toxic, heat-resistant plumber’s grease.

3. To change the complete cartridge, match the length of the old one to the size of the replacement.

Ceramic-disk Faucet
1. Push the handle back to reveal the set screw. Remove the screw and raise the handle.
2. Remove the escutcheon cover, then loosen the disk cylinder’s mounting screws and lift it out.

Remove the neoprene seals from the cylinder with a dull screwdriver. If the seals are damaged, replace them.

3. To clean the cylinder holes, use pure white vinegar and a gentle scouring pad, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Replace the seals and then reassemble the faucet.

Turn the handle to the “on” position and carefully turn the water back on—the force of the returning water may shatter the ceramic disk.

If you’re replacing the complete cylinder (which is typically not necessary), install it and secure it with the new mounting screws.