How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
The tap-tap-tap of a slow leak at your bathroom or kitchen faucet can get annoying quickly, especially when your house is otherwise quiet. If you're losing sleep over a dripping faucet or worried about its impact on your water bill, resolving the leak can be a priority.
In this article, we cover the basics of how to fix a dripping faucet, including:
A small leak near your sink may only require a DIY fix — keep reading to discover signs that professional help may be needed.
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Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet
Some common culprits are often at fault for minor faucet leaks. They include:
Worn-out seals. Old seals, gaskets, and other components may be warped or worn in ways that allow small amounts of water to seep through. This can lead to water leaking from the faucet even when it's turned off.
Corroded O-rings. The same is true for O-rings and other metal components that can become corroded over time, allowing water through.
Faulty cartridges. Faucet cartridges control water flow through the spout. When they're faulty, you may experience seepage that you don't expect.
Mineral buildup or other debris. Any buildup that impacts the function of your faucet can reduce the efficacy of knobs and other water flow controls, leading to an inability to fully turn water off.
Poor fixture installation. Poorly installed faucets may drip or leak because connections are not properly joined.
What You May Need to Fix a Dripping Faucet
When it comes to minor repairs, most people can figure out how to fix leaky faucets. Often, you simply need to find where the water is coming from and close off the inappropriate opening. Some tools you may need to fix a dripping faucet include:
Wrenches, particularly adjustable wrenches
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Plumber's tape
Replacement parts, including washers, seals, and gaskets
Cleaning supplies
Troubleshooting Solutions
Start by turning off water to the faucet to reduce the risks of flooding as you work on the plumbing. Look for a valve under the sink; if you can't find one, you can turn off the main water supply for your home. Then, conduct troubleshooting steps such as:
Checking for loose fixtures, including faucet handles or screws, and tightening them
Inspecting washers, O-rings, and other parts for damage or corrosion and replacing parts as necessary
Looking for mineral buildup or other debris and cleaning the area thoroughly
If you tighten everything, replace worn parts, and remove buildup and your faucet still leaks, consider replacing the cartridge (if applicable). You can take the old cartridge to the store to help find a new, matching part.
How to Prevent Future Leaks
The best way to prevent leaks in the future is to maintain and clean your fixtures regularly. Investing in professional inspection and maintenance services, including drain cleaning, can help you reduce the likelihood of leaks throughout your home.
It's also critical to use and care for fixtures following manufacturer guidelines. Review user manuals to understand how best to clean your faucets, for example, so you don't increase wear and tear unnecessarily.
When to Call a Professional
While you can watch YouTube videos to learn how to fix a dripping faucet when you're facing a minor issue, more severe damage calls for a professional touch. You may want to call in a professional if:
You're inexperienced with residential plumbing and don't want to make the matter worse
You've gone through standard troubleshooting steps, but the leak remains
You aren't sure where the water is coming from and need professional leak detection
The leak is severe and you're worried about potential damage you can't see
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