We’ve all been there — lying in bed at night and hearing the faint drip, drip, drip of water hitting the sink basin. Or maybe you’ve noticed a tiny puddle forming around your faucet or had a shockingly high water bill that made you look twice at your fixtures. No matter how you discover a leaking faucet, it’s one of those small household problems that can be surprisingly frustrating.
While fixing a leaky faucet might seem simple, it can quickly become a head-scratcher. Luckily, with the right tools, some know-how, and a little patience, you can tackle the issue. Let’s discuss how to fix a dripping faucet in more detail below.
Why Is My Faucet Leaking?
Leaky faucets happen for a variety of reasons, and understanding the source of the problem can make repair work much easier. Here are some common culprits:
- Worn-Out Washers or O-Rings: Rubber washers and O-rings wear out over time, leading to leaks.
- Faulty Valve Seat: The valve seat connects the faucet and spout; if it’s corroded, water can escape.
- Loose or Damaged Faucet Parts: Screws, handles, and other components may need tightening or replacing.
- High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure can cause faucet leaks, especially in single-handle faucets.
- Old Cartridges or Seals: If you have cartridge faucets, a damaged cartridge could be the issue.
While it’s possible to fix many of these problems yourself, it’s also easy to make mistakes. That’s why calling a professional plumber is always a good idea if you’re unsure.
Tools You’ll Need
Before we can dive into how to fix a dripping faucet, you’ll need to gather these tools and supplies:
- Adjustable wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Replacement parts (like washers, o-rings, or an entire cartridge)
- Plumber’s grease
- White vinegar
- Towels or a bucket (to catch water)
Having these on hand will make the job easier — and save you an extra trip to the hardware store.
Step-By-Step Guide to Fixing a Leaky Faucet
No matter the faucet type — whether it’s a ball faucet, cartridge faucet, or compression faucet — the basic repair steps are similar.
Turn Off the Water Supply
First things first: locate the shut-off valves under your sink and turn them off. Open the faucet to let any remaining water flow out. This step prevents water from spilling while you work on the faucet.
The shut-off valves are typically round or oval-shaped knobs. They may be made of metal or plastic and have a handle that you can turn clockwise to close. If you’re having trouble finding them, follow the water supply lines from the faucet down to the valves.
Disassemble the Faucet
Start by removing the faucet handles. If your faucet has a decorative cap, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off, then unscrew the handle screw. Once the faucet is disassembled, you’ll have a clearer view of the problem.
Inspect for Faulty Parts
Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracked washers, corroded valve seats, or damaged cartridges. Don’t forget to check the O-ring and seat washer, as these are common sources of leaks in compression faucets.
Clean the Components
Use white vinegar and a cloth to clean mineral deposits from the faucet parts, especially around the valve seat and faucet spout. This helps create a waterproof seal when you reassemble the faucet.
Replace Worn-Out Parts
If you find worn-out rubber washers, a damaged cartridge, or corroded parts, replace them with new ones. Your local hardware store should carry most faucet parts. Be sure to bring the old part to match it with the correct replacement.
Reassemble and Test
Once you’ve replaced the faulty parts, apply plumber’s grease to help everything move smoothly. Reassemble the faucet, turn the water supply back on, and test for leaks. If you still notice dripping, it might be time to call in a professional plumber.
Faucet Types and Specific Fixes
Not all faucets are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to some common faucet types and how to handle their quirks:
Compression Faucets
These are often found in older homes, and two separate handles are used for hot and cold water. Leaks usually stem from worn seat washers. Replacing these washers typically solves the problem.
Ball Faucets
Ball faucets have a single handle that controls water flow and temperature. These faucets have many small parts, making them trickier to repair. Replacing the entire cylinder might be your best bet.
Cartridge Faucets
Cartridge faucets use a valve cartridge to control water flow. If you have a leaking faucet of this type, replacing the old cartridge or O-rings could stop the drip.
Ceramic Disk Faucets
Known for their durability, ceramic disk faucets rarely leak. However, if they do, replacing the neoprene seals or the ceramic disk is often necessary.
DIY vs. Professional Help
While fixing a leaky faucet might seem straightforward, there are times when calling a professional is the smarter choice. Plumbers have the expertise and tools to tackle tough problems, like identifying water pressure issues or replacing hard-to-find faucet parts.
If your faucet repair efforts aren’t working, or if you feel overwhelmed by the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating. A professional plumber can save you time, effort, and the frustration of a recurring leak.
Tips for Preventing Future Faucet Leaks
Fixing a leaky faucet is one thing — preventing it from happening again is another. Here are some tips to keep your faucets in tip-top shape.
Perform Regular Plumbing Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent future faucet leaks is by staying on top of regular plumbing maintenance. Just like you schedule routine checkups for your car or HVAC system, your plumbing system benefits from periodic inspections and care. During maintenance, a professional plumber can check for wear and tear on your faucets, water pressure issues, and other hidden problems that could lead to leaks. These proactive visits can save you from dealing with more extensive — and expensive — repairs later.
Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating offers comprehensive plumbing maintenance services in Fresno, CA, and the surrounding areas. By scheduling regular plumbing maintenance, you’ll not only extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures but also enjoy peace of mind knowing your faucets are in great condition.
Don’t Ignore Small Leaks
That tiny drip might not seem like a big deal now, but it’s more than just an annoyance. Even a slow, barely noticeable leak can waste gallons of water over time. Beyond the environmental impact, a small leak can lead to bigger problems, like water damage, mold growth, or corrosion on your faucet’s components.
By addressing leaks early, you can avoid the headache of more serious damage. Even if you’re confident in your DIY skills, small leaks are worth inspecting right away — or calling in a plumber to double-check. Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating specializes in plumbing repair, so you don’t have to tackle those sneaky drips alone.
Use the Right Tools
Having the right tools for the job can make a huge difference in faucet repairs. A dripping faucet might require you to replace parts like a washer, cartridge, or O-ring. If you don’t have the proper tools, you risk damaging your faucet further or creating a leaky seal. Essentials like an adjustable wrench, needle nose pliers, and a pipe wrench should always be part of your home toolkit.
For those who prefer to DIY, using tools designed for plumbing can simplify repairs and prevent mistakes. But even with the right equipment, faucet repairs can be tricky. If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to call in the professionals. Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating can handle simple repairs and complex installations, so you can skip the stress and keep your plumbing fixtures in perfect working order.
Why Work With Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating?
Fixing a leaky faucet yourself is a great way to save money and learn a new skill. But if you’d rather avoid the hassle or feel out of your depth, Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating can assist you through it.
We specialize in residential plumbing services, including faucet repair, maintenance, and installation. If you’re dealing with a leaky bathroom faucet or need help diagnosing a tricky problem, our team of skilled plumbers knows how to fix a dripping faucet and will get the situation resolved quickly.
Schedule Your Faucet Repair in Fresno, CA, Today
As you can see, learning how to fix a dripping faucet is usually straightforward, but not every homeowner feels comfortable tackling the job. When in doubt, it’s always a smart move to reach out to a professional plumber. Plumbers have the expertise to diagnose the root cause of the leak and make sure the repair is done right the first time.
Dealing with a dripping faucet can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re wrestling with a ball-type faucet, compression faucet, or cartridge straight out of a nightmare, the team at Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating is here to help.
With our expert residential plumbing services in Fresno, Sacramento, and the surrounding areas, we’ll take care of your faucet repair and any other plumbing issues you’re facing. Schedule your service today and enjoy a drip-free home!
