Bathroom Faucet Leaks At Base When Turned On

Bathroom Faucet Leaks At Base When Turned On: Essential Aspects

A bathroom faucet that leaks at the base when turned on is a common plumbing problem that can be easily fixed with the right tools and know-how. The leak can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a loose washer, a worn-out O-ring, or a damaged cartridge. In this article, we will discuss the essential aspects of bathroom faucet leaks at the base when turned on and how to fix them.

Causes of Bathroom Faucet Leaks at the Base

There are several common causes of bathroom faucet leaks at the base. These include:

Loose washer: The washer is a small rubber or plastic disc that creates a seal between the faucet body and the handle. If the washer is loose or worn, it can allow water to leak out from the base of the faucet.
Worn-out O-ring: The O-ring is a small rubber ring that creates a seal between the faucet body and the cartridge. If the O-ring is worn out or damaged, it can allow water to leak out from the base of the faucet.
Damaged cartridge: The cartridge is the part of the faucet that controls the flow of water. If the cartridge is damaged, it can allow water to leak out from the base of the faucet.
Cracked faucet body: In some cases, the leak may be caused by a crack in the faucet body. This can be a more serious problem, as it may require replacing the entire faucet.

Tools and Materials Needed to Fix a Bathroom Faucet Leak at the Base

To fix a bathroom faucet leak at the base, you will need the following tools and materials:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
New washer
New O-ring
New cartridge (if necessary)
Plumber's putty

Steps to Fix a Bathroom Faucet Leak at the Base

To fix a bathroom faucet leak at the base, follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the aerator from the faucet.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut.
Remove the packing nut and the old washer.
Apply a small amount of plumber's putty to the threads of the packing nut.
Install the new washer on the packing nut.
Tighten the packing nut by hand.
Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the packing nut further.
Reinstall the aerator.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks.

If the leak persists, you may need to replace the O-ring or the cartridge. To replace the O-ring, follow these steps:

Remove the handle from the faucet.
Use a flat head screwdriver to pry out the old O-ring.
Apply a small amount of plumber's putty to the new O-ring.
Install the new O-ring in the groove on the faucet body.
Reinstall the handle.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks.

If the leak still persists, you may need to replace the cartridge. To replace the cartridge, follow these steps:

Remove the handle from the faucet.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cartridge in place.
Pull the old cartridge out of the faucet body.
Apply a small amount of plumber's putty to the threads of the new cartridge.
Install the new cartridge in the faucet body.
Tighten the screws that hold the cartridge in place.
Reinstall the handle.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks.