From “6 Steps to FIX a Leaky Faucet GUARANTEED” by Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education
Six Steps to Fix a Leaky Faucet Yourself
A drippy faucet is cheap to fix if you know where to look.
Key points
- Find the leaking side by shutting off the hot and cold angle stops one at a time; in this video the drip stopped as soon as the cold side was closed, which pointed to the cold-side cartridge. 1:49
- Turn the water fully off before taking anything apart, because trapped water can spray out when the packing nut is opened and a bad washer in the angle stop can flood the area. 4:01
- Replace both the spring and the washer, even if only one looks worn, and insert the spring's tapered end into the washer without forcing it. 5:38
- Match the cartridge's notches to the faucet body and make sure the washer sits on the solid stainless steel side, since that is the only position that blocks water when the valve is closed. 6:56
- Tighten the retaining nut by hand and then with a wrench only until it touches, then turn the cold water back on slowly and check all around the handle; if it still leaks, repeat the earlier steps or call a plumber. 8:15
Terms the lesson explains
- angle stop — An angle stop is the shutoff valve under the sink that you turn to cut off the water supply to the faucet. 1:43
- Cartridge — The internal part of the faucet that controls water flow when the handle turns. 4:32
- Packing nut — The nut that holds the cartridge in place and can loosen over time. 3:20
What you need
- Screwdriver — Used to remove the handle screw.
- Adjustable wrench — Used to loosen the packing nut.
- Needle nose pliers — Shown as a tool to have ready.
- Pick tool — Used to pull out the rubber washer and spring.
- Replacement spring and washer — Replace these if they are worn.
Steps
- 1. Gather tools: Get a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, needle nose pliers and a pick tool, plus rags to protect the counter. 1:03
- 2. Turn off the water: Close the hot then cold angle stop under the sink and watch which side stops the drip. 1:45
- 3. Remove the handle: Unscrew the handle with a screwdriver and set it aside on a rag. 2:52
- 4. Loosen the packing nut: Check the packing nut is tight, then loosen it with an adjustable wrench and remove it. 3:20
- 5. Replace spring and washer: Pull the cartridge, pick out the rubber washer and spring, and replace them. 4:54
- 6. Reassemble the spring and washer: Seat the tapered end of the spring into the washer and check the washer moves freely. 5:40
- 7. Install cartridge and nut: Line up the notches and flat side with the handle, then tighten the nut hand tight. 7:03
- 8. Turn water back on and check: Open the cold stop and check all around the handle for leaks. 9:21