How to fix a leaky faucet?

Fixing a leaky faucet is a common DIY task that can save water and reduce your utility bills. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you repair a dripping tap: 1. **Turn Off the Water Supply:** Before starting, locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them off to stop water flow. If there are no local valves, turn off the main water supply to your home. 2. **Plug the Drain:** Use a sink plug or a rag to block the drain. This prevents small parts from falling down the drain during the repair. 3. **Remove the Faucet Handle:** Depending on your faucet type (compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk), you may need a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Look for a small screw under a decorative cap or on the side of the handle. 4. **Inspect Internal Parts:** Once the handle is off, you will see the inner components. For compression faucets, the issue is often a worn-out rubber washer that needs replacing. For cartridge or ball faucets, the cartridge or seals might be damaged. 5. **Replace Worn Parts:** Take the damaged washer, O-ring, or cartridge to a hardware store to find the exact replacement. Install the new part carefully. 6. **Reassemble the Faucet:** Put all parts back in reverse order and tighten screws securely but avoid overtightening which could cause damage. 7. **Turn On the Water Supply:** Slowly open the shut-off valves and check if the dripping has stopped. If after these steps the faucet still leaks, the problem might be more complex, such as corroded valve seats or damaged plumbing, and you may want to call a professional plumber. By following these steps, you can typically fix a leaky faucet yourself and prevent water waste.

Fixing a leaky faucet is a common household repair that you can often handle yourself with a few basic tools. Here are the general steps to repair a dripping tap: 1. **Turn Off the Water Supply:** Before starting, locate the water shutoff valves under the sink and turn them off to prevent water flow. If there are no local valves, turn off the main water supply to your home. 2. **Plug the Drain:** Use a sink plug or a rag to block the drain, so small parts don’t fall down the drain during the repair. 3. **Remove the Faucet Handle:** Depending on your faucet type (compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disc), you’ll need to remove the handle. This often involves taking out a decorative cap to access a screw, then unscrewing the handle. 4. **Inspect and Replace Worn Parts:** For most dripping faucets, the issue is a worn-out washer, O-ring, or cartridge. For compression faucets, replacing the rubber washer and seat usually solves the leak. For cartridge or ball faucets, you might need to replace the cartridge or seals. Take the old parts to a hardware store to find exact replacements. 5. **Clean the Components:** While disassembled, clean any mineral deposits or debris from the faucet parts and valve seat to ensure a good seal. 6. **Reassemble the Faucet:** Put everything back together in the reverse order of disassembly. 7. **Turn the Water Back On and Test:** Slowly turn the water supply back on and check if the leak has stopped. If you’re unsure about your faucet type or the repair, consider looking up a specific guide for your faucet model or contacting a plumber. Fixing a leak promptly helps conserve water and prevents further damage.