How To Fix A Leaking Bathroom Sink Faucet Handle

How to Fix a Leaking Bathroom Sink Faucet Handle

A leaking bathroom sink faucet handle can be a frustrating and annoying problem. Not only does it waste water, but it can also lead to more serious problems down the road, such as water damage to your bathroom vanity or floor. Fortunately, fixing a leaking faucet handle is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.

The first step is to identify the type of faucet handle you have. There are two main types of faucet handles: compression handles and cartridge handles.

Compression handles are the most common type of faucet handle. They have a round or oval-shaped handle that is turned to open and close the water flow. Compression handles are typically made of metal or plastic.

Cartridge handles are a newer type of faucet handle. They have a lever or handle that is moved up and down or side to side to open and close the water flow. Cartridge handles are typically made of plastic or metal.

Once you have identified the type of faucet handle you have, you can follow the steps below to fix the leak.

Fixing a Leaking Compression Handle

Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There will be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water.

Remove the handle. To remove the handle, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the packing nut. The packing nut is located at the base of the handle.

Replace the washer. Once you have removed the handle, you will see the washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic disc that seals the water flow. If the washer is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Reassemble the handle. Once you have replaced the washer, you can reassemble the handle. To do this, simply screw the packing nut back onto the faucet body and tighten it with a wrench.

Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Once you have reassembled the handle, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there is still a leak, you may need to tighten the packing nut further.

Fixing a Leaking Cartridge Handle

Turn off the water supply to the faucet. Like fixing compression handles, you need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. There will be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water.

Remove the handle. To remove the handle, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the setscrew. The setscrew is located on the top of the handle.

Pull out the cartridge. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to pull out the cartridge. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped object that contains the seals that control the water flow.

Replace the cartridge. If the cartridge is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. To do this, simply insert the new cartridge into the faucet body and tighten it with a wrench.

Reassemble the handle. Once you have replaced the cartridge, you can reassemble the handle. To do this, simply screw the setscrew back into the handle and tighten it with a wrench.

Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Once you have reassembled the handle, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there is still a leak, you may need to tighten the setscrew further.

Fixing a leaking bathroom sink faucet handle is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. By following the steps above, you can easily fix the leak and get your faucet back in working order.