How To Fix a Leaking Compression Faucet

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

A minor repair of a leaking faucet is an easy DIY project

How To Fix a Leaking Compression Faucet

A leaking faucet is by far not the worst problem you can run into as a homeowner in Temple, TX, but it definitely needs to be addressed without hesitation. A dripping faucet can be annoying and expensive. A fast-dripping faucet can waste about five gallons of water per day, so a fixed leak can ease the strain on your wallet. If your faucet has a screw handle for hot water and another one for cold, you have a compression faucet. Take these steps to fix it.

1. Prepare the Work Area

Turn off the water to the sink. Close the sink drain to protect dropped parts. Create an area to lay out the parts in order of their removal. As you’re going through the process, it’s helpful to remove mineral deposits from the parts. Distilled white vinegar works well, along with a soft scouring pad.

2. Remove the Handles

Pry off the caps. Then, remove each handle by unscrewing them.

3. Remove the Nut

Remove the nut with a wrench. This will reveal the stem.

4. Remove the Stem

The O-ring rests on top of a rubber seat washer. The stem sits on the O-ring. The seat washer is the most likely cause of the leaking faucet; the rubber tends to wear out. Pull the stem out. You’ll find that the seat washer is thicker, whereas the O-ring is thinner. If the leak seems to be in the handle, the O-ring needs to be replaced. Be sure to take the used O-ring with you to the store to make sure you buy the correct size. Use a non-toxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease to coat the O-ring before installing it.

5. Remove and Replace the Seat Washer

An upside-down screw holds the washer in place. As with the O-ring, sizes vary, so take the used washer to the store for a reference. Then, apply plumber’s grease to the washer before you replace it.

6. Reassemble the Handles
The leak should be repaired. Now you can reassemble the handles.
A minor repair of a leaking faucet is an easy DIY project. If your home sustains damage, call water damage cleanup professionals to help.