How to Fix a Leaky or Dripping Faucet

Leaky faucets can be among the most annoying plumbing issues in your Fircrest home. You can hear, see, and touch the problem in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one drip per second from a leaky faucet can add up to more than 3,000 gallons per year, the amount needed to take 180 showers.

Whenever water pools at the base of a faucet or drips incessantly from its spout, it throws your money away.

Faucet Repair in Puget Sound

Resicon, LLC takes the frustration out of leaky faucets. Our licensed plumbers have the experience and professional equipment to fix the leak quickly and expertly while leaving your sink area clean.

There is no single way to repair all faucet leaks because there is more than one type of faucet. Each type requires distinct components and repair methods. Our Resicon professionals have dealt with all kinds, styles, and sizes of faucets and can apply the most effective repair to stop the leak. 

Do-It-Yourself Faucet Fixes     

We can complete your faucet repair in no time. However, we know that some homeowners enjoy do-it-yourself projects. They prefer to try a repair before calling for professional help. If you are in the fix-it-yourself camp, faucet repair may be worth trying.

Before you tackle a leaky faucet repair, know what kind of faucet you have. The four main kinds of faucets are ball, cartridge, ceramic disc, and compression.

Some faucets have a single handle located above or next to the spout, some have two handles, and some are touchless. The spout may double as a sprayer. Repair details vary from faucet to faucet.

If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and assemble your tools, we will walk you through repairs for two kinds of single-handle faucets. The first step for any faucet repair is to shut off the water by turning the shut-off valve below the sink. Next, open the faucet to drain any remaining water and cover the drain to prevent tiny parts from falling into it.

Single-Handle Ball Faucets

• Loosen the screw on the handle and place both pieces to the side.
• Unscrew the next part, the cap, and place it next to the handle.
• Remove the parts underneath the cap, including the rubber washer and ball valve. Photograph each step along the way so you can use it as a reference when reassembling. Note where the holes are on the ball valve as the piece fits into the faucet.
• Take the springs and seats out. They sit under the ball valve.
• Remove the faucet spout and its aerator. Soak the aerator in vinegar. Scrub away any gunk and rinse the aerator before reattaching it. 
• Replace the worn O-ring. Install new valve seats and ball valve assembly if worn or damaged.
• Reassemble the parts.
• Turn the faucet on and check for leaks.

Single-Handle Cartridge Faucets

• Remove the decorative cover on the handle and the screw under it.
• Slide the handle off the faucet.
• Unscrew the bonnet nut, which is dome-shaped, and remove it.
• Remove the metal piece holding the cartridge in place.
• Use pliers to extract the cartridge.
• Remove the O-ring and spring below the cartridge if the base leaks. 
• Buy a new cartridge, O-ring, and spring. 
• Assemble the faucet, starting with the new spring and O-ring, followed by the cartridge and the clip that holds it in place.  Screw on the bonnet nut and reattach the handle, tightening the screw. Add the decorative cover.

Fixing leaky faucets can be exhilarating if you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast. You can take pride in your accomplishments and hone your at-home plumbing skills.

You are not alone if you do not enjoy hands-on repairs or have no interest in O-rings and needle-nose pliers. Your best option is professional plumbing help.

Call the Experts

Our licensed plumbers at Resicon, LLC can make home maintenance easier by offering solutions for all your plumbing needs in Fircrest, Washington. Call us at 253-527-7827 or request service online.