repairing leaky faucets by faucet type
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repairing a stem or two-control faucet

Stem faucets can be identified by their separate controls for hot & cold water. Leaks in these faucets can occur in the spout, the stem or at the base. Although these leaks are annoying & waste water, they are one type of plumbing problem that's usually easy to repair.

Before you start
1) Turn off the water supply. Look for a shutoff valve under the sink. If there is not one for the fixture, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. It may be located near the water meter, or in the basement or crawl space.

2) Have on hand an assortment of replacement parts, like washers, washer screws, o-rings & packing.

3) Close or block off the sink drain, so that small parts aren't lost if dropped.

4) Protect the sink basin against chipping from tools by lining it w/ a towel.

5) When working on the faucet, don't try to force parts that are corroded or won't move. Apply a few drops of penetrating oil to the parts, wait a while & try again.

6) When you start, remember to line up the parts in order as you take the faucet apart. This will help you reassemble it correctly. Tools & materials you will need include: adjustable wrench, channel lock smooth-jawed pliers, screwdrivers, washer assortment, penetrating oil, & packing.

to make faucet repairs

A stem faucet can either be a compression (threaded stem) or washerless type. The washerless type uses a cartridge or diaphragm & discs instead of the washers & valve seats found in the compression faucet.

The faucet must be taken apart to determine its type. Follow steps 1 through 4 below. Then examine the bottom of the piece removed from the faucet. If there is a washer, held in place by a washer screw, continue w/ step 5.

If there is no washer, it is either a Cartridge or diaphragm faucet. Take the entire cartridge or diaphragm stem assembly to a plumbing supply dealer & get the correct repair kit. Follow the manufacturer's directions for replacement & repair.

compression faucet

If the faucet spout leaks or drips, either the seat washer or the seat itself needs attention.

1) Turn off the water supply & turn faucet handles on to drain water from the faucet.

2) Remove the handle screws (which may be under a decorative button) using a Phillips head or standard blade screwdriver. The handle lifts straight up or out & off.

3) Use adhesive or friction tape around the packing nut to protect it. Remove the packing nut w/ a crescent wrench or pliers.

4) Slip the handle back on the stem & turn the handle to loosen the stem. If the stem doesn't back out when you turn the handle, use your fingers, pliers or adjustable wrench.

5) Remove the screw at the bottom of the stem. Use penetrating oil, if needed. Remove the old washer & replace w/ a new one of the same size & shape. While the faucet stem is out, you may wish to check the packing, o-ring or packing washer for replacement. Leaks around faucets handles or at the base of the faucet may occur when these parts are worn.

6) Older faucets may use packing, usually a string like material that serves as a washer between the stem & the cap. Remove the old packing & wind new packing string clockwise around the stem to form the seal. If the older faucet uses self-forming packing, a ready-made packing washer that fits may be used as a replacement. Push the packing washer onto the stem as far as it will go & screw the nut over it, clockwise.

7) If the faucet is a newer model, replace the packing washer or o- ring.

8) If the stem or screw is corroded, buff lightly w/ fine steel wool. Clean off all dirt & steel wool residue.

9) Reassemble the faucet. When you tighten the assembly w/ wrench or pliers, don't use too much pressure. That can strip the threads & cause the faucet to leak.

still leaking?

If replacing the washer &/or packing doesn't stop the leak, the valve seat at the base of the faucet body may need replacing or grinding smooth. Take the faucet apart.

1) Remove the worn valve seat w/ an allen wrench or seat wrench, & take it w/ you to a plumbing supply store to get an exact replacement.

2) If you can't remove the valve seat, purchase an inexpensive seat cutter or grinding tool. Insert the grinding tool & adjust the guide nut to the depth of the opening of the faucet housing. Now turn the grinding tool clockwise a few time w/ its handle or pliers. Use light to moderate pressure, since it doesn't take much grinding to smooth the valve seat. Clean out residue & reassemble the faucet.

CAUTION:
The first rule of any plumbing repair is to turn off the water supply.

Soldering involves use of an open flame that may not be visible when properly adjusted. Protect flammable surfaces from fire w/ sheet metal, a heatproof pad or wet rags. Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water w/ a thick towel soaking in it handy to extinguish accidental fires when soldering. Flux & solder can bubble, split & spatter.

Protect your eyes w/ safety glasses. Wear leather work gloves to protect your hands.

Flux & solder fumes are toxic. Provide plenty of ventilation.

Wear an appropriately rated dust mask or respirator whenever airborne particles or chemical fumes are present.

Related Plumbing Article • how to repair a leaky faucet