Dealing with a leaky faucet can be annoying and costly, with each drip potentially wasting gallons of water over time. The good news is that many leaky faucet repairs are relatively easy DIY projects, whether you have a cartridge or compression style faucet. With some basic tools and supplies, you can often stop faucet leaks in under an hour.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for diagnosing and fixing leaky cartridge and compression faucets. We’ll also cover some preventative maintenance tips to stop leaks before they start. Read on to become a leaky faucet repair pro!
How to Diagnose the Type of Leaky Faucet
The first step is identifying whether you have a cartridge or compression style faucet. This will determine the specific repair process. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Cartridge Faucets:
- Have a single handle that moves up and down and side to side to control hot and cold water
- Use an inner cartridge mechanism to control water flow and mixing
- Popular cartridge types include ceramic disk and ball cartridges
Compression Faucets:
- Have separate hot and cold handles that move in one direction (from off to full flow)
- Use washers and seats inside the faucet body to seal the water flow
- Usually have recognizable compression stems with packing nuts on each handle
Once you’ve identified the faucet type, inspect the area around the handles and spout. Look for any water droplets, mineral deposits, or moisture that indicate where the leak is originating. This will help pinpoint the problem area.
With the faucet type and leak location diagnosed, you’re ready to begin the repair process. The steps for cartridge and compression faucets are outlined next.
How to Fix a Leaky Cartridge Faucet
Cartridge faucets control water flow and mixing with an inner cartridge. Leaks usually mean the cartridge needs replacing or cleaning. Here are the detailed steps for fixing a leaky cartridge faucet:
Supplies Needed
- Replacement cartridge (match model/brand of existing faucet)
- Faucet handle puller
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Cloth
- White vinegar
- Protective eye wear
Shut Off the Water Supply
Start by shutting off the water supply lines under the sink or behind the faucet. Turn the hot and cold knobs to the “off” position. Then open the faucet handle to drain any remaining water and relieve pressure.
Remove the Faucet Handle
Use a faucet handle puller to detach the handle from the cartridge stem. This will expose the faucet interior. If you don’t have a handle puller, look for a small set screw on the underside of the handle. Loosen this with a screwdriver to help pry off the handle.
Remove the Cartridge
Now use a wrench to loosen and remove the cartridge retaining nut. Pull the cartridge straight up and out of the faucet body. Inspect it for cracks, pitting, or buildup. Soak heavily calcified cartridges in white vinegar to help dissolve mineral deposits.
Install New Cartridge
Align and insert the new or cleaned cartridge back into the faucet body. Make sure the hot/cold indicators are facing the right way. Hand tighten the retaining nut, then use a wrench to give it a secure final turn (don’t over tighten).
Replace Faucet Handle
Reattach the faucet handle to the cartridge stem. Make sure it is oriented correctly before tightening it down with the set screw or handle puller.
Turn Water Back On
Reopen the supply valves slowly while checking for any remaining leaks. If the new cartridge successfully sealed the leak, your repair is complete!
How to Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet
Compression faucets rely on washers and seats to control the water flow. Leaks usually indicate damaged washers that need replacing. Follow these steps to fix a leaky compression faucet:
Supplies Needed
- Faucet washers (bring the old ones to match)
- Adjustable wrench
- Seat wrench
- Flashlight
- Cloth
- White vinegar
- Protective eye wear
Shut Off the Water Supply
Just like with cartridge faucets, start by shutting off the hot and cold water supply valves and opening the faucet to drain pressure.
Remove the Faucet Handle
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the packing nut from the compression stem. This will allow the handle to come free. Pull it straight up and off the stem.
Inspect and Clean Seat
Examine the brass seat inside the faucet body. Clean any grit, debris or mineral buildup with a stiff brush or towel soaked in vinegar. Scrub and rinse thoroughly.
Replace the Faucet Washer
Insert the new washer into the seat, making sure it lays flat. Confirm the size matches the old washer. Apply plumber’s grease to help create a tight seal.
Reinstall Handle and Packing Nut
Slide the faucet handle back onto the compression stem. Hand tighten the packing nut, then use a wrench to secure it with an additional quarter turn.
Turn the Water Back On
Slowly turn the supply valves back on while checking for leaks around the newly replaced washer. If no leaks appear, the repair is complete!
Preventing Leaky Faucet Problems
With your faucet fixed, here are some tips to prevent leaks from recurring:
- Inspect washers and O-rings yearly – Replace them preventatively if worn.
- Clean the faucet interior – Use white vinegar and a brush to remove mineral buildup.
- Lubricate compression components – Keep O-rings and washers slippery with plumber’s grease.
- Avoid over-tightening handles – Excessive force can damage washers and seals.
- Insulate exterior faucets – Protect outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures to avoid cracks.
- Update worn faucets – Consider replacing very old/damaged faucets with new water-efficient models.
With proper preventative care and the DIY repair steps above, you can stop annoying drips and restore your faucet to peak performance. Contact a professional plumber if any issues persist beyond multiple repair attempts.
FAQ About Fixing Leaky Faucets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about diagnosing and repairing leaky cartridge and compression faucets:
What are the most common causes of a leaky faucet?
The most common causes are worn-out rubber washers or O-rings in compression faucets, and cracked or dirty cartridges in cartridge faucets. Mineral buildup and general wear over time can damage these internal seals.
How can I tell where the leak is coming from?
Carefully inspect around the handles, spout, and base of the faucet. Look for water droplets, calcium deposits, or any visible moisture to pinpoint the leak location.
What if I can’t find replacement washers that match my faucet?
Bring one of the old washers with you to the hardware store. The associate can help you find the same size and type. Worst case, you may need to replace the entire faucet.
Do I need any special tools to service a cartridge faucet?
A faucet handle puller makes removing the handle easier. An adjustable wrench will help grip and turn the cartridge nut. Needle-nose pliers can also help grasp small parts.
How tight should I make the packing nut on a compression faucet?
Tighten it hand-tight, then use a wrench to add another quarter to half turn. Over-tightening can damage the rubber washer. Some dripping after tightening is normal as the washer re-seats.
Why does mineral buildup cause leaks?
Hard water deposits prevent seals from making watertight contact. Vinegar dissolves this buildup. Prevent it with regular cleaning and a water softener system.
Can I fix a leak from the faucet spout?
Spout leaks usually require O-ring replacement inside the spout base. Shut off water, pry off the spout cover, replace ring, apply silicone grease, and reassemble.
How do I stop a bathtub faucet from dripping?
Tub/shower faucets have the same cartridge or compression designs. Follow the directions above to replace damaged washers, O-rings, or cartridges that cause drips.
What should I do if the leak doesn’t stop after replacing parts?
Persistent leaks likely mean additional seals or components need replacing. Rubber washers and O-rings degrade over time. Consider hiring a plumber if DIY efforts fail.
Conclusion
Learning to fix a leaky faucet can save you money while extending the life of your fixtures. In most cases, the repairs are quick and straightforward, especially if you catch leaks early. Keep this guide handy, so you’re always prepared to tackle drips and maintain watertight faucet performance.
With the right techniques, even novice DIYers can become leaky faucet pros. And taking steps to prevent wear and damage will avoid leaks altogether. A little periodic maintenance goes a long way for your plumbing.