That Leaking Faucet Is Annoying and Costly: Beginner’s Guide for Fixing It

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Repairing a leaking faucet can be an easy job with a little know-how, and it can also reduce energy costs. Before you begin, first determine what type of faucet you’re working with, and be sure to shut the water off under the sink. Next, plug the sink to prevent small parts from the faucet from falling down the drain and to prevent damaging your fixture, apply duct tape to the wrench you’re using to repair the faucet.

Fixing a Leaking Faucet

  • Cartridge faucet – Remove the cap on the faucet handle and take out the screw that holds the handle in place. You may need to use needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clip if there’s one present. Next, remove the old O-rings and replace them with new ones that have been coated with plumber’s grease.
  • Compression faucet – If your compression faucet is leaking, many times a new set of seat washers can fix the issue. To do this, remove the cap on top of the handle and take out the screw. Once the handle is removed, use your wrench to remove the nut. You should be able to see the seat washer now and, before replacing it, apply a bit of plumber’s grease to the washer.
  • Ceramic disk – With this type of leaking faucet, simply find the main screw by pushing the handle back as far as it will go. Remove the screw and take the handle off. After removing the escutcheon cap and the disk cylinder’s mounting screws, remove the cylinder and replace the neoprene seals if they appear to be damaged.
  • Ball type – If the leaking faucet you’re dealing with is a ball type, you may wish to contact a plumbing contractor for assistance. Ball type faucets contain many parts, making it easy to get confused. Although replacing the O-rings will often fix the leaking faucet, dissembling and reassembling this type of faucet can be difficult.

For expert assistance with leaking pipes or other plumbing problems, contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout the greater Cincinnati area.

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