How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Complete DIY Guide

Stop wasting water and money. Learn how to fix a leaky faucet yourself with our complete step-by-step DIY guide for all faucet types.

Project Snapshot

  • Category: DIY
  • Difficulty: beginner
  • Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
  • Estimated cost: $5-$25
  • Reading time: 8 min

Guide

# How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet isn't just annoying—it can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year and cost you money. The good news? Most leaky faucets are easy to fix yourself with basic tools and about an hour of your time.

## Why Faucets Leak

Before you start, it helps to understand the four main types of faucets:

- Compression faucets - Use rubber washers that wear out over time

- Ball faucets - Have a single handle and use a rotating ball mechanism

- Cartridge faucets - Use a movable cartridge to control water flow

- Ceramic disk faucets - The most durable, using ceramic cylinders

Each type has different repair procedures, but the basic approach is similar: identify the type, disassemble, replace worn parts, and reassemble.

## What You'll Need

Most faucet repairs require just a few common tools and inexpensive replacement parts. A faucet repair kit ($5-15) from your local hardware store will include the most common parts for your faucet type.

## Step-by-Step Repair Process

### 1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until fully closed. If there are no shut-off valves, turn off the main water supply.

### 2. Plug the Drain

Place a rag or drain stopper in the sink to prevent small parts from falling down the drain.

### 3. Remove the Handle

For most faucets, pry off the decorative cap, remove the screw underneath, and lift off the handle. Some handles have set screws on the side.

### 4. Remove the Packing Nut or Retaining Clip

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut (compression faucets) or remove the retaining clip (cartridge faucets).

### 5. Remove and Inspect the Internal Components

- Compression: Pull out the stem and inspect the washer at the bottom

- Ball: Remove the ball and inspect the springs and seats

- Cartridge: Pull out the cartridge

- Ceramic disk: Remove the cylinder

### 6. Replace Worn Parts

Take the old parts to the hardware store to find exact replacements. Replace washers, O-rings, springs, seats, or the entire cartridge as needed.

### 7. Reassemble the Faucet

Reinstall components in reverse order. Apply plumber's grease to O-rings and moving parts for smooth operation.

### 8. Test Your Repair

Turn the water supply back on slowly. Check for leaks at the handle and spout. The drip should be gone!

## When to Call a Professional

If the faucet continues to leak after replacing parts, or if you notice corrosion or damage to the faucet body, it may be time for a full faucet replacement.

Step-by-Step Plan

  1. Turn Off Water Supply

    Locate shut-off valves under the sink and turn clockwise until fully closed. Test by turning on the faucet.

  2. Plug the Drain

    Place a rag or stopper in the sink drain to prevent small parts from falling in.

  3. Remove the Handle

    Pry off the decorative cap, remove the screw underneath, and lift off the handle. Some have set screws on the side.

  4. Remove Packing Nut

    Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut or retaining clip.

  5. Remove Internal Components

    Pull out the stem, ball, cartridge, or ceramic disk depending on your faucet type.

  6. Inspect and Replace Worn Parts

    Examine washers, O-rings, springs, and seats. Take old parts to hardware store for exact replacements.

  7. Reassemble the Faucet

    Reinstall components in reverse order. Apply plumber's grease to O-rings for smooth operation.

  8. Test Your Repair

    Turn water supply back on slowly. Check for leaks at handle and spout. The drip should be gone!

Tools Needed

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Allen wrench set
  • Needle-nose pliers

Materials Needed

  • Faucet repair kit
  • Replacement washers
  • Plumber's grease
  • O-rings

Safety Notes

Topics

  • Plumbing
  • Faucet
  • Leak repair
  • Beginner DIY
  • Water saving

Turn This Into a Plan

ChatDIY can adapt this guide to your measurements, materials, tools, and timeline.

Ask ChatDIY about this project