How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Step-by-Step Repair Guide by Faucet Type

A leaky faucet is more than just an irritating sound—it’s a waste of water and money. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, with the average household leak accounting for nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water each year. The good news is that most faucet leaks are relatively easy to fix yourself with basic tools and a little guidance.

This comprehensive guide will help you identify your faucet type and provide step-by-step instructions for repairing each common faucet mechanism.

Identifying Your Faucet Type

Before beginning repairs, you need to determine which of the four main faucet types you have:

1. Compression Faucet

• Identifying features: Separate hot and cold handles that tighten when turned off
• Age: Oldest design, common in older homes
• How it works: Rubber washer presses against a valve seat to stop water flow
• Common leak cause: Worn washers or valve seats

2. Ball-Type Faucet

• Identifying features: Single handle that moves over a rounded ball-shaped cap
• Age: Introduced in the 1970s, still common today
• How it works: Ball with slots rotates to align with hot and cold water inlets
• Common leak cause: Worn O-rings, springs, or valve seats

3. Cartridge Faucet

• Identifying features: Single or double handles that move up and down or side to side
• Age: Common in homes built after the 1970s
• How it works: Cartridge moves to control water flow and temperature
• Common leak cause: Worn cartridge or O-rings

4. Ceramic Disk Faucet

• Identifying features: Single handle that moves in an arc over a wide cylindrical body
• Age: Newest technology, common in premium fixtures
• How it works: Two ceramic disks slide against each other to control flow
• Common leak cause: Damaged seals or dirty water chambers

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Basic Tools for All Faucet Types:

• Adjustable wrench
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Penetrating oil (like WD-40)
• Plumber’s grease
• White vinegar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Plumber’s tape
• Clean rags
• Bucket or towel to catch water

Additional Type-Specific Items:

• Compression faucet: Replacement washers, O-rings, valve seats
• Ball-type faucet: Replacement ball, springs, O-rings, valve seats, or complete kit
• Cartridge faucet: Replacement cartridge, O-rings
• Ceramic disk faucet: Replacement seals, cylinder, O-rings

Step-by-Step Repair Guide by Faucet Type

Compression Faucet Repair

Step 1: Shut Off Water

• Locate the water shutoff valves under the sink and turn clockwise to close
• Open the faucet to release any remaining water

Step 2: Remove the Handle

• Remove decorative cap if present (pry gently with flathead screwdriver)
• Unscrew the handle screw and lift off the handle
• If handles are stuck, apply penetrating oil and wait 10-15 minutes

Step 3: Remove the Stem

• Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut
• Unscrew the stem assembly by turning counterclockwise

Step 4: Replace the Washer

• Identify the rubber washer at the bottom of the stem
• Remove the screw holding it in place
• Replace with an exact-size new washer
• Reassemble the screw firmly but not overtightened

Step 5: Inspect the Valve Seat

• Examine the valve seat for corrosion or uneven wear
• For damaged seats, use a valve seat wrench to remove and replace it
• Alternatively, use a valve seat grinder to smooth minor damage

Step 6: Reassemble

• Apply plumber’s grease to O-rings
• Reinstall the stem assembly and tighten the packing nut
• Replace the handle and decorative cap
• Turn on water supply and test

Ball-Type Faucet Repair

Step 1: Shut Off Water

• Turn off water supply valves and open faucet to drain

Step 2: Remove the Handle

• Remove the set screw (typically found under a decorative cap or on the side)
• Lift handle straight up to remove

Step 3: Remove Cap and Cam Assembly

• Use pliers to loosen and remove the cap and adjusting ring
• Lift out the cam assembly and ball

Step 4: Remove the Seats and Springs

• Use needle-nose pliers to remove the rubber seats and springs
• Note their orientation for proper replacement

Step 5: Replace Parts

• Install new springs and seats in the correct position
• Consider using a complete repair kit for best results
• Clean any mineral deposits with white vinegar
• Check O-rings around the faucet body and replace if worn

Step 6: Reassemble

• Insert the ball with alignment pin in the notch
• Place the cam assembly over the ball
• Tighten the cap and adjusting ring
• Replace the handle and set screw
• Turn on water and test

Cartridge Faucet Repair

Step 1: Shut Off Water

• Turn off water supply and open faucet to drain

Step 2: Remove the Handle

• Remove decorative cap or button
• Unscrew handle screw and remove handle
• For lever-style handles, look for set screws on the side

Step 3: Remove Retaining Clip and Cartridge

• Remove any retaining clip holding the cartridge in place
• Pliers may be needed to grip and pull the cartridge straight up
• If the cartridge is stuck, consider using a cartridge puller tool
• Note the orientation of the cartridge for proper replacement

Step 4: Replace Cartridge and O-rings

• Clean the faucet body with white vinegar
• Replace any visible O-rings
• Install the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one
• Ensure cartridge is fully seated

Step 5: Reassemble

• Replace the retaining clip firmly
• Reassemble the handle assembly
• Turn on water supply and test

Ceramic Disk Faucet Repair

Step 1: Shut Off Water

• Turn off water supply and open faucet to drain

Step 2: Remove the Handle

• Remove any decorative cap
• Unscrew handle set screw and remove handle

Step 3: Remove the Ceramic Disk Cylinder

• Unscrew the screws holding the cylinder in place
• Carefully lift out the ceramic disk assembly

Step 4: Clean and Replace Parts

• Inspect the cylinder for cracks or damage
• Soak in white vinegar to remove mineral deposits (30 minutes maximum)
• Replace the rubber seals on the base of the cylinder
• Never use vinegar on rubber or plastic parts

Step 5: Reassemble

• Reinstall the cylinder carefully
• Replace mounting screws, being careful not to overtighten
• Reassemble handle and decorative elements
• Turn water on slowly to prevent damage to ceramic components
• Run water for a minute to flush any vinegar residue

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Faucet Still Leaks After Repair

• Double-check all connections for tightness
• Ensure replacement parts are exact matches
• Look for hairline cracks in porcelain or ceramic components
• Verify water is completely shut off during testing

Handle Feels Loose or Wobbly

• Tighten set screws
• Check for worn cartridge or stem
• Ensure proper alignment of all components

Water Pressure Seems Reduced

• Check aerator for mineral buildup
• Inspect for partially closed shutoff valves
• Look for kinked supply lines

Water Leaking From Base of Faucet

• Tighten base mounting nuts
• Replace worn O-rings around base
• Check for damaged putty or gaskets

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Extend Your Faucet’s Lifespan:

• Avoid overtightening handles
• Clean aerators every 3-6 months
• Use water softeners in hard water areas
• Dry faucets after use to prevent mineral buildup
• Turn handles gently to reduce wear on internal components

When to Call a Professional

While most faucet repairs are DIY-friendly, consider professional help if:

• You cannot locate the source of a leak
• Internal components are severely corroded
• Repairs involve plumbing inside walls
• The faucet body is cracked or damaged
• Multiple repair attempts haven’t resolved the issue
• Your home has polybutylene piping (requires special handling)

Conclusion

Fixing a leaky faucet is a satisfying DIY project that can save significant water and money over time. By identifying your faucet type and following these detailed steps, you can restore proper function and extend the life of your fixtures. Remember to turn off the water supply before starting any repair, and keep track of parts and their orientation during disassembly.

For particularly challenging faucet repairs or full replacements, contact MySuperHub for professional plumbing service from our experienced technicians.