How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

hands plumber at work in a bathroom, plumbing repair service, assemble and install concept

Knowing how to fix a leaky faucet depends on the type of faucet and understanding the main reasons for leaks.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix a leak with a single-handle faucet and double-handle faucet. Along the way, you’ll learn some plumbing tips, tricks, and common pitfalls from Richard Croft, a retired plumber in St. Louis.

Project difficulty: Intermediate
Estimated time to complete: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Project cost: Fixing a leaky faucet can cost between $5 (if you already have the tools) and $80.

The best way to begin is to determine the type of faucet you have – single handle or double-handle – before disassembling it, Croft says. 

Then locate the brand name and visit their website for specific parts, he adds. Additionally, a clear photograph of the faucet or its worn-out parts can assist plumbing suppliers in finding replacement parts. 

7 Steps to Fix a Single-Handle (Ball-Style) Faucet

Modern Sink Faucet Closeup
Photo Credit: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock Free / License

Single-handle faucets have four different types of faucet valves: ball, disc, cartridge, or compression, each requiring specific tools and components for repairs. 

For example, Croft says replacing a defective cartridge is typically enough to fix a leak with this style of single-handle faucets. Depending on your faucet type, you might need to address additional components like pressure springs and rubber seats. 

A ball-style valve single-handle faucet is most common, so we’ll walk you through the steps to fix a leak with this style faucet.

1. Turn Off the Water

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is forgetting to turn off the water supply before starting plumbing repairs, Croft says. So, before diving into fixing your leaky faucet, here’s how to turn off the water supply. 

  • Look for the valve under your sink and shut off the water. If you don’t see any individual valves under your sink, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply for the whole house. 
  • Then, turn on your faucet and let it run to drain any leftover water in the pipes. 
  • Put a sink stopper in or cover the drain with a towel so you don’t accidentally drop any tools down there.

2. Remove the Faucet Handle

Broken faucet handle in the kitchen sink
Photo Credit: Влад Варшавский / Adobe Stock Free / License

The tools you’ll need to remove the faucet handle depend on what kind of single-handle ball faucet you have. Some handles can be taken off using an Allen wrench or hex key, while others need a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. 

Either way, make sure you have two rags: The first is something on which to lay your tools, the faucet handle, and any displaced internal components. The second one is to catch any water that spills when you remove the handle. 

  • Remove the small cap first.
  • Use an Allen wrench to loosen the screw set, and then the handle will be loose enough to be removed.
  • You should be able to see the retaining cap that keeps the ball in its place.

3. Remove the Retaining Cap

  • Use pliers with electrical tape or Channellock pliers to grip and remove the retaining cap.
  • Once the retaining cap is removed, you should be able to see the cam and the internal components.

4. Fix the Leak from the Spout

  • Clean and inspect the ball and hot and cold seats.
  • If there is a leak from the spout, now’s the time to replace the two seats and springs.

5. Fix the Leak from the Handle

Male plumber repair sink faucet at customer kitchen
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Astakhov / Adobe Stock Free / License
  • To fix a leak in the handle, the cam washer needs to be removed. 
  • Also, the O-rings need to be removed and replaced.
  • Plumber’s grease can be used to lubricate the O-rings. 

Pro Tip: Croft says the primary causes of leaky faucets include damaged O-rings, valve seats, worn cartridges, and washers due to wear and tear. Additionally, if you have hard water (with lots of minerals) or corrosive water, this will further speed up deterioration.

6. Reassemble Your Faucet

It’s time to put everything back together, depending on which element was leaking, whether the spout or handle.

Pro Tip: When reassembling your faucet, be careful not to cross-thread (putting the screw in crooked) or overtighten components.

7. Turn the Water Back On

  • The shut-off valve needs to be turned back on.
  • Run the water through the faucet to blow out any air.

Check out this video below. Watching how someone fixes this faucet type will help you understand the process even more.

6 Steps to Fix a Two-Handle Faucet

Traditional twohandle faucet in a sink
Photo Credit: Moviebirth / Adobe Stock / License

1. Determine Which Handle is the Source of the Leak

The first step to repair a leak in a double-handle faucet is to identify which handle is the source of the leak. To do this, turn off the water supply valve for each handle one at a time. (Typically, the valves are found beneath the sink.)

If you shut off the hot water valve and the faucet continues to leak, then the cold water handle is the one that’s leaking. 

If you turn off the cold water valve and the leak persists, the hot water handle is the one that’s leaking. 

However, if one side of a two-handle faucet leaks, Croft recommends repairing both the hot and cold sides while the water supply is turned off.

2. Turn Off the Water to Both Handles

Once you’ve identified the leaking handle, turn off the water supply for both handles. If you can’t find any shutoff valves, turn off the main water valve for the whole house. 

This is super important to do first to keep everything from getting soaked with water. 

Then open both faucets to drain any remaining water from the lines.

3. Take Off the Faucet Handle

two handle faucet in a sink
Photo Credit: motionshooter / Adobe Stock / License

Now it’s time to take off the faucet handle. The tool you need to do this will depend on the type of faucet you have. Some handles can be removed with an Allen wrench or hex key, while others require a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. 

In any event, you’ll need two rags: one on which to rest your tools and the faucet handle and the other to catch any water overflow after you remove the handle. 

Note: If you can’t access the screw holding the handle in place, a putty knife may help. 

4. Replace the Valve Stem

Once you’ve removed the faucet handle and can see the inner workings, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with three terms: the valve stem, valve seat, and stem packing. 

  • Valve stem: The valve stem is the part of the valve that moves, usually attached to the handle, which you turn to let water in or cut it off. 
  • Valve seat: This is the flat area inside the faucet where the stem makes a seal to stop leaks when the valve is closed. It’s like the “landing pad,” where the stem fits snugly to keep everything tight.
  • Stem packing: ​​Stem packing refers to the sealing material around the valve stem. Its main job is to stop fluid from leaking out where the stem goes through the valve body.

Depending upon the type of faucet you have, you might need to:

  • Check out the valve stem and stem packing to see if they need replacing. (A new valve stem may cost as little as $10 at the hardware store.) 
  • It could be just a matter of swapping out the washer instead.

Pro Tip: Croft notes that if the valve seat is damaged, a complete faucet replacement might be necessary. 

5. Reassemble the Faucet

Avoid any urge to use too much force and overtighten components. 

  • Carefully reinsert the new or repaired valve stem, ensuring proper alignment.
  • Stem packaging should also be updated if needed.
  • Reattach the faucet handle while being mindful of the hot and cold orientation.

6. Turn On the Water

  • The shut-off valves need to be turned back on.
  • Run the water through the faucet to blow out any air.

If you’re more of a visual learner like me, I’ve included a helpful video below that offers tips and shows you how to fix a leaky faucet:

FAQ

Can You Fix a Leaky Faucet Yourself?

Fixing a leaky faucet can be a DIY project, especially if you know a little about plumbing. But if you’re unsure or the leak is really bad, it’s best to call a plumber. 

Home Gnome connects you to the best local plumbers near you who will fix the leak correctly.

What are Some Common Mistakes When Fixing a Leaky Faucet? 

According to our expert, Richard Croft, here are some typical errors homeowners often make when fixing a leaky faucet. By being aware of them, you can steer clear of these issues:

  • Neglecting to check for damaged valve seats.
  • Using the wrong washer size.
  • Failing to apply silicone grease to O-rings during reassembly.

DIY or Hire a Pro to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Knowing how to fix a leaky faucet can save you money and increase your own DIY skill set around the home. But if you’ve attempted to fix your leaking faucet without success, it may be time to call a local plumber to get your faucet working correctly again.

Main Image Credit: amedeoemaja / Adobe Stock Free / License

Harley Grandone

Harley Grandone is an accomplished writer who has assisted her family with DIY projects throughout the years: gutter cleaning with her dad, wallpapering her daughter's nursery, and painting a bathroom, to name a few. To complement her DIY experience indoors, she also brings over 20 years of valuable landscaping experience to her work as a writer.