How To Repair A Leaky Faucet

Wondering how to repair a leaky faucet? You’ve come to the right place!

As anyone who has ever lived in a home with a leaky faucet knows, it can be a real pain. Not only does it waste water and money, but it can also damage your plumbing and cause other problems. In this article, we will discuss the 5 main causes of leaky faucets, as well as how to fix them. 

What Causes Leaky Faucets?

1. Worn-out washers or O-rings: Over time, the washers and/or O-rings in your faucet can become worn out and no longer provide a seal. This is usually the first thing to check when you have a leaky faucet.
2. Cracked seats: The seats in your faucet can also become cracked over time, causing water to leak through. This is usually a more serious problem that will require the replacement of the seats.
3. Damaged packing: The packing around the stems in your faucet can become damaged and allow water to leak out. This is another serious problem that will require the replacement of the packing.
4. Loose nuts or bolts: If any of the nuts or bolts holding your faucet together are loose, they can cause water to leak out. This is an easy problem to fix, simply tighten the nuts or bolts until they are snug.
5. Faulty valves: In some cases, the valves inside your faucet may be defective and cause water to leak. This is a more serious problem that will require the replacement of the valves.

Easy Step-by-Step Guide on How to Repair a Leaky Faucet

Follow these tips and you’ll learn how to repair a leaky faucet in no time.

1. Shut off the water: The first step is to shut off the water to your sink. This can usually be done by turning the valves under the sink clockwise.
2. Remove the handle: Once the water is shut off, you will need to remove the handle from your faucet. This can usually be done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
3. Unscrew the packing nut: Next, you will need to unscrew the packing nut that holds the stem in place. This can usually be done with a wrench or pliers.
4. Remove the stem: Once the packing nut is loose, you should be able to pull the stem out of the faucet.
5. Inspect the washer: Inspect the washer on the end of the stem for wear and tear. Damaged washers should be immediately replaced.
6. Reassemble the faucet: Once you have replaced the washer, you can reassemble your faucet by reversing the steps above. Be sure to turn the water back on before testing your faucet.

This should fix most leaky faucets, however, if you are still having problems, you may need to replace more parts or even the entire faucet.

Recommendation: My Toilet’s Seal is Leaking. What Do I Do?

How To Avoid Leaking Faucets

There are a few things you can do to avoid having a leaky faucet in the first place. First, be sure to check the washers and O-rings regularly for wear and tear. You should also be sure to tighten any loose nuts or bolts on your faucet. Finally, be sure to have your faucet serviced by a professional plumber every few years to ensure that it is in good working condition.

If you follow these tips on how to repair a leaky faucet, you should be able to avoid leaks in the home. Faucet leaks can be prevented and fixed with a few simple steps. If you’re experiencing a leaky faucet, we can help. Contact Shepherd’s Plumbing today to schedule a visit from one of our certified technicians.

A leaky faucet is annoying to say the least, but we’ve got you covered. We’ll come right over and diagnose the problem for you and our technicians are available for same-day service in most cases.

At Shepherd’s Plumbing, we have the tools and experience to take care of your leaky kitchen faucet in no time at all.