How To Fix A Leaky Bathroom Faucet In 5 Steps
If you’re like most homeowners, you know the feeling of dread when you notice a leak in your bathroom. But luckily, fixing a leaky bathroom faucet isn’t as hard as it seems! With the proper tools and knowledge, you can quickly get your faucet back up and running in no time. In this blog post, we’ll cover five easy steps to help fix a leaky bathroom faucet. Whether you’re dealing with a dripping spigot or a broken drain pipe, these tips will help you identify the issue and know what actions to take next. So grab your tools and let’s get started!
Supplies You Will Need
Assuming you have a standard bathroom sink faucet, there are only a few tools and supplies you will need in order to fix it. You will need:
-A Phillips head screwdriver
-A crescent wrench
-A set of replacement O-rings (these usually come with the new faucet)
-Plumber’s putty (optional)
If your sink is leaking from the base of the spout, then you will also need to replace the Washerless Cartridge. For this repair, you will also need:
-A pair of slip joint pliers
-A towel or rag
-A small container for the mineral oil
Step One: Remove The Faucet Handle
If your faucet is leaking around the handle, the first step is to remove the handle. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver for this. Start by unscrewing the set screw that holds the handle in place. Once the set screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off. If it’s stuck, use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry it off.
Once the handle is off, take a look at the stem. The stem is what controls the water flow and temperature. If it’s damaged or worn, it might be causing your leak. Use a wrench to unscrew the stem and replace it with a new one.
Step Two: Use The Adjustable Wrench To Loosen The Nut Securing The Valve Stem
If your faucet has a separate handle for hot and cold water, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the retaining nut on the valve stem for the side that is leaking. You will need to hold onto the valve body with one hand while you do this. If your faucet only has one handle, it will likely have a set screw holding the valve stem in place. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen this as well.
Step Three: Remove The Valve Stem
Assuming the valve stem is similar to most, there will be a metal cap that unscrews from the top of the stem. Underneath this cap is a washer. Use a wrench to remove the packing nut located under the washer. This will allow you to pull the stem out of the faucet.
Step Four: Replace The Washer And O-Ring
If your faucet is still leaking after completing the previous steps, then it’s time to replace the washer and O-ring. To do this, you’ll need a few tools: a flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, and pliers.
Start by removing the handle of the faucet using the appropriate screwdriver. Once the handle is off, you should see a nut that holds on the washer and O-ring. Use the pliers to remove this nut and then take out the old washer and O-ring.
Now, it’s time to install the new washer and O-ring. Make sure that the new washer is positioned correctly before tightening down the nut with the pliers. Once everything is tight, turn on the water supply and test out your faucet to make sure there are no more leaks.
Step Five: Reassemble Your Faucet
If your bathroom faucet is still leaking after completing the previous steps, it’s time to reassemble your faucet. Begin by screwing the handle back into place, followed by the escutcheon plate. Make sure all of the screws are tightened securely before testing your faucet again. If the leak persists, you may need to replace one or more of the components inside your faucet.
When To Call A Professional Plumber
If your bathroom faucet is leaking, it’s important to take action right away and repair the problem. However, unless you’re a experienced do-it-yourselfer, you’ll likely need to call in a professional plumber to do the job. Here are some signs that it’s time to call in a professional:
-The leak is getting worse, or happening more frequently
-You don’t have the necessary tools or experience to fix the problem
-The faucet is old and outdated, and may need to be replaced entirely
-There is significant water damage around the faucet
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s best to call in a professional plumber who can quickly and efficiently fix the issue.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet is an easy and cost-effective way to solve a common problem. With the five simple steps mentioned in this article, you can easily identify the cause of your leaky faucet and repair it yourself with only the necessary tools. Be sure to take extra precaution when replacing any parts or dealing with water lines as there may be safety hazards involved. Good luck and happy repairing!