Stop Wasting Water: How to Quickly Fix Common Faucet Leaks at Home

A leaky faucet may seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to a significant waste of water and increase your utility bills. In fact, a slow drip from a faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year—that’s a lot of wasted water and money! Fortunately, you can easily fix a leaky faucet yourself on a weekend. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to stop that constant drip, conserve water, and save money.

Why You Should Fix a Leaky Faucet

Before we get into the repair process, it’s important to understand why fixing a leaky faucet should be a priority. Here are the main reasons you should take care of this issue as soon as possible:

Water Conservation: A leaky faucet wastes a surprising amount of water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that household leaks in the U.S. waste 1 trillion gallons of water annually. Fixing these leaks helps conserve this precious resource.

Cost Savings: Water leaks can lead to higher utility bills. Repairing the faucet can save you money each month, reducing your water usage and the associated costs.

Preventing Damage: If left unchecked, water leaks can damage your sink, countertop, or surrounding cabinetry, potentially leading to expensive repairs.

Common Cause of Faucet Leaks

Understanding the cause of the leak can help you fix it more effectively. Here are the most common causes of a leaky faucet:

Worn-Out Washer: Over time, the rubber washers inside faucets can wear out, causing water to leak from the spout.

Corroded Valve Seat: The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout. If it becomes corroded, it can cause water to leak.

Loose Parts: The handle or spout may become loose because of wear and tear, leading to leaks.

Damaged O-Ring: The O-ring is a small rubber disc that helps form a watertight seal. When it wears out, it can cause leaks, especially around the handle.

Identifying the cause of the leak will guide you through the right repair process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Fixing a leaky faucet is easier than you might think, and it’s a project that you can tackle yourself. Follow these steps to stop the drip and save water.

What You’ll Need:

Adjustable wrench

Screwdriver

Replacement parts (washer, O-ring, valve seat, etc.)

Plumber’s tape (optional)

Towel or rag

Penetrating oil (optional)

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

The first and most important step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. Most sinks have a shutoff valve located under the sink. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water flow. If your sink doesn’t have a shutoff valve, you may need to turn off the major water supply to your home.

After turning off the water supply, turn the faucet on to release any water still in the pipes.

Step 2: Plug the Drain

Use a towel or rag to block the drain. This will prevent any small parts from falling down the drain while you work on the faucet. It’s always a good idea to keep the drain covered during repairs, especially when working with small hardware.

Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle

To access the internal parts of the faucet, you need to remove the handle. Most faucet handles have a screw securing them; you can usually find this screw under a decorative cap. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw and lift off the handle.

Step 4: Inspect the Faucet Components

Once the handle is removed, you’ll have access to the inner components of the faucet. Here’s what you need to check:

Washer: Look for wear or damage on the washer. If it’s worn or cracked, it needs to be replaced.

O-Ring: If the O-ring is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.

Valve Seat: Check for signs of corrosion. If the valve seat is corroded, you’ll need to clean or replace it.

Step 5: Replace the Damaged Parts

Now that you’ve identified the damaged parts, it’s time to replace them:

For the Washer: Use a wrench to remove the faucet valve stem, which holds the washer in place. Once removed, replace the old washer with a new one that fits correctly. Be sure the washer is seated properly before reassembling the faucet.

For the O-Ring: Remove the old O-ring and replace it with a new one of the same size. You may also want to apply plumber’s tape to the threads for a tighter seal.

For the Valve Seat: If the valve seat is corroded, you can clean it using a wire brush. If cleaning doesn’t work, replace the valve seat with a new one.

Step 6: Reassemble the Faucet

Once you replace the damaged parts, it’s time to reassemble everything.

Replace the valve stem or cartridge and tighten it in place with a wrench. Make sure it’s secure, but don’t over-tighten, as this can damage the components.

Reattach the faucet handle and use a screwdriver to tighten the screw that holds it in place.

Step 7: Turn on the Water Supply

Once you reassemble the faucet, turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Turn the faucet handle on and test it to ensure the leak is fixed. If the faucet still leaks, carefully review your work to make sure all parts are correctly installed and tightened.

Step 8: Clean Up and Final Touches

After the faucet is fixed, clean up the work area, remove the towel from the drain, and put away your tools. Your faucet should now be leak-free and working like new.

Fixing a leaky faucet is a quick and easy DIY project that can save you both water and money. With the right tools and a little time, you can fix the leak yourself and avoid the hassle of hiring a plumber. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a functioning faucet in no time and be able to conserve water while preventing damage to your home.

For more detailed instructions on home repairs, check out our Fix It Before It Breaks ebook, which offers step-by-step guides for tackling a variety of home maintenance projects. If you’re looking for more ways to save money on home repairs, look at Save Big, Fix Small for budget-friendly tips and tricks.