How To Fix A Leaky Faucet In The Bathroom

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in the Bathroom

A leaky faucet can be not just annoying but also wasteful, leading to increased water bills and environmental concerns. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple task that most homeowners can handle themselves with a few basic tools and supplies.

Before beginning, it's essential to identify the type of faucet you have: compression faucet or cartridge faucet. Compression faucets have individual handles for hot and cold water with packing washers, while cartridge faucets have a single lever that controls both water temperature and flow with a cartridge assembly.

Fixing a Leaky Compression Faucet

Tools and Materials:

Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
New packing washers

Steps:

Turn off the water supply under the sink.
Open the faucet to release any remaining pressure.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut counterclockwise.
Remove the old packing washers and replace them with new ones.
Tighten the packing nut clockwise by hand until it's snug, then use the wrench to further tighten it by about 1/4 turn.
Turn on the water and check for leaks. If it still leaks, repeat steps 4 and 5.

Fixing a Leaky Cartridge Faucet

Tools and Materials:

Allen wrench (size varies based on faucet)
Pliers
New cartridge

Steps:

Turn off the water supply under the sink.
Remove the decorative cap at the base of the lever.
Use an Allen wrench to loosen the screw holding the lever.
Pull the lever straight up.
Use pliers to unscrew the cartridge counterclockwise.
Remove the old cartridge and insert the new one.
Tighten the cartridge clockwise by hand as much as possible.
Reinstall the lever, screw, and decorative cap.
Turn on the water and check for leaks.

Tips:

Always turn off the water supply before working on a faucet.
If you're not comfortable working on the plumbing, consult a licensed plumber.
Replace the washers or cartridge regularly to prevent future leaks.
Check your faucets periodically for signs of wear and tear.
Consider installing a low-flow faucet to save water and energy.

By following these steps and precautions, you can quickly and easily fix a leaky faucet in your bathroom, restoring its functionality and preventing water waste.