What's the Best Way to Fix a Leaking Faucet?

Are you in a hurry to fix your leaking faucet? The Durham plumbing professions at JD Service Now has put together the best way to fix it efficiently. If you need assistance, give us a call to schedule an appointment at 919-383-7000.

These are the steps to fixing your leaky faucet:

• Step 1: Shut off water
• Step 2: Remove the faucet handle
• Step 3: Remove the cartridge
• Step 4: Install a new cartridge
• Step 5: Reattach the faucet handle

Not only are leaky faucets a nuisance, but they can be costly due to all the wasted water. To save yourself from the headache of having a leaky faucet, the Durham plumbing professionals have put together a quick guide to fixing a leaky faucet. If you still have faucet issues, contact our Durham plumbing company to take a look.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

The first thing you should do if you have a leaky faucet is to switch the valve under your sink to turn off the water supply. If you don’t have a valve under your sink, you should turn off your house’s water supply. Then you should open the faucet and let the remaining water in the line empty in the sink.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

The next step to fixing a leaky faucet is to remove the handle. However, the method of removing the stem will vary depending on the style of faucet you have. If your faucet has a set screw behind the handle, insert a hex key or wrench into the screw and turn it to remove the stem. If the handle has a top screw over the over, remove it with a flat screwdriver and set it aside. Then you can use a head screwdriver to loosen the screw under the cover and pull the handle-free.

Step 3: Remove the Cartridge

The third step is to remove the cartridge by using a wrench to loosen the packing nut in the handle assembly. Then you should slowly pull the cartridge straight up and out of the assembly. Depending on the style of faucet you have, you may need to remove the cartridge with a specific tool. You should check the manufacturing instructions of your faucet.

Step 4: Install New Cartridge

The fourth step is to install a new cartridge into the handle of the faucet. Since cartridges can come in many sizes, it can be challenging to discern which one is the right size for your plumbing. The best way to find the right size is by knowing the faucet manufacturer and model number. Before you insert the new cartridge, you should clean the area with a cloth. Then you should inspect the O-rings around the housing and replace them if they look worn-out or damaged. Then you should insert the new cartridge and ensure that it is aligned.

Step 5: Reattach Faucet Handle

For step five, you will need to reattach the faucet handle. Attach the packing nut and tighten with a crescent wrench, then reattach the handle with the set screw. You should replace the screw cover if needed. To finish up, you can turn your water line back on and test your faucet. You should run both cold and hot water for a few minutes to ensure everything is working correctly. If you find that your faucet is still leaking, you should contact our Durham faucet plumbing professionals for assistance.

If you need plumbing assistance, contact the Durham faucet plumbing experts at JD Service Now. We back up our plumbing services with a 100% guarantee.