How To Stop A Leaking Bathroom Faucet

A leaking faucet can be a nuisance, wasting water and increasing your water bill. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a worn-out washer or a damaged seal. If you're experiencing a leaky faucet, it's important to fix it as soon as possible to prevent further damage and save money. Here are the essential aspects of how to stop a leaking bathroom faucet:

1. Identify the type of faucet. There are two main types of faucets: compression faucets and cartridge faucets. Compression faucets have a packing nut that can be tightened to stop the leak. Cartridge faucets have a removable cartridge that can be replaced if it's worn out.

2. Gather the necessary tools. You will need a wrench, a screwdriver, and possibly a pair of pliers. If you're replacing a cartridge, you will also need a new cartridge.

3. Turn off the water supply. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water supply.

4. Open the faucet to release any remaining water. This will help prevent water from leaking out when you remove the faucet handle.

5. Remove the faucet handle. On compression faucets, the handle is usually held in place by a screw. Remove the screw and pull the handle off. On cartridge faucets, the handle is usually held in place by a clip. Pry the clip off with a screwdriver and pull the handle off.

6. Tighten the packing nut or replace the cartridge. On compression faucets, tighten the packing nut clockwise with a wrench. On cartridge faucets, remove the old cartridge and insert the new cartridge. Push the cartridge down until it clicks into place.

7. Reinstall the faucet handle. Push the handle back onto the faucet body and tighten the screw or clip.

8. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Open the shut-off valves under the sink and turn on the faucet. Check for any leaks around the handle or base of the faucet.

If you're still experiencing a leak, there may be a more serious problem that requires the help of a plumber. However, by following these steps, you can fix most leaky faucets yourself and save money on your water bill.