A leaky faucet contributes to immense water wastage as the average household leaks waste up to 10,000 gallons every year. Water can form a puddle under your sink and the annoying dripping sound won’t let you sleep at night due to a leaky faucet.

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Why Do Faucets Leak?

A faucet controls the flow of water with the help of the inner cartridge that is supported by rubber washers and seals. When the seals are not fit properly it allows water to seep out and drip onto the sink, which causes an uncomfortable noise.

Here are a few reasons why a faucet leaks.

Mineral Buildup:Hard water contains magnesium and calcium ions,which causea mineral buildup in the faucets. This prevents the flow of the water two run through the faucet smoothly. It can also clog the drains and build up pressure damaging the faucet by causing cracks. This can also cause rust and corrosion to your bathroom fixtures that can ruin their quality.

To remove the harmful effects of hard water, you can install a water softener or water filtration system to turn hard water into soft water removing the minerals from it.

Corrosion: Corrosion can damage thefaucet andwasher and causes seals to loosen up,which prevents them from controlling the water flow. It can cause water discoloration, which can be hazardous to your health.

Corrosion can’t be repaired, and your faucet would need replacement as a permanent solution.

Leakage At The Base:Over time,the O-rings around the body of the faucet wear out, which is located underneath the spout. These would also need replacement as repairing it would not be cost-effective.

Tools Needed To Fix A Leak

Adjustable Wrench
Needle Nose Pliers
Screwdriver
Plumber’sGrease
Vinegar
Scouring Pad
New Washers and Seals
Faucet Cartridge
Faucet Stem

Types Of Faucets

There are many different types of faucets in every household, depending upon their lifestyle and preferences.

1. Cartridge Faucet

A cartridge faucet is the one that operates within up and down motion to control water flow and the temperature of the water.

These faucets usually tend to leak due to worn out O-rings and cartridges.

How To Fix A Leaky Cartridge Faucet?

The procedure for fixing a leaking cartridge faucet is by unscrewing the decorative cap a dash on the handle and unscrewing the handle by tilting it back and then pulling it off.

You would need needle-nose pliers to remove the threaded retaining clip to be able to pull the cartridge. then you can remove the spout and cut the old O-rings. To attach the new O-ring, you would need to apply the plumber’s grease that resists heat to be able to slide it into the cartridge.

If you feel the need to replace the whole cartridge, you’ll need a new one with the same length and stem to fix it properly.

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2. Compression Faucet

A compression faucet consists of two knobs that need to be tightened to start or close the water flow.

Most compression faucets have a faulty seat washer or become loose overtime.

How To Fix A Leaky Compression Faucet?

You can use a small screwdriver or utility knife to remove the decorative cap on the handle. Underneath the handle, there are attachment screws that need to be removed to pull off the handle. An adjustable wrench will help you loosen the stem from the faucet’s body. You can then unscrew the rubber washer from the bottom to replace the new seat washer. By coating the washers with a non-toxic plumber’s grease will help you work easily.

You can also notice if the O-ring is faulty and if that’s causing the leak. It’s essential to get the exact size of the O-ring to attach itto your faucet to control the water flow.

The seat washer is attached to a retainer, which is around the disk. The retainer ring can also get damaged when it becomes old and causes a leak.

3. Ceramic-Disk Faucet

A ceramic-disk faucet is made up of new technology. They have a single lever with a wide cylindrical body to give it a modern look. The handle can be moved in different directions to control the water’s temperature, which is called the pressure balance cartridge.

How To Fix A Leaky Ceramic Disk Faucet?

You can remove the handle by pushing it back to access the screws and lift out the cylindrical structure of the faucet. Using a blunt screwdriver, you can check if the seas are damaged and then replace them. When you’re done with the procedure,you can reassemble the faucet and slowly turn the water back on. If this is not done carefully the pressure of the water can crack the ceramic disc.

4. Ball-Type Faucet

A ball-type faucet has only one handle that controls a unique plaster or metal ball that is inside the faucet. The ball consists of the rubber O-rings and seals.

How To Fix A Leaky Ball-Type Faucet?

A ball-type faucet consists of a lot of different parts, which can be overwhelming for an amateur to work with. To avoid the repairing, you can simply replace the whole faucet.

To replace the ball-type faucet, you will need to remove the small index cover from the side of the faucet and loosen the screws and then pull off the faucet handle. After removing the cap and collar you can lose in the faucet cam and bring it out. Then you can add the new rubber seat and spring with the help of needle-nose pliers. After tightening the bolts and ensuring that there is proper tension against the ball, you can start using the faucet.

It’s not easy for homeowners to fix any leaky faucets by themselves. Replacing the washers and rubber seals is relatively easier but replacing the whole structure of the faucet is difficult for them and they would require the assistance of a professional plumbing service.