How To Fix A Leaky Faucet Handle
Is your bathroom or kitchen faucet dripping constantly, even when turned off completely? A leaky faucet handle is not only annoying but also wastes water and money. Luckily, fixing a leaky faucet handle is an easy DIY project that you can tackle in less than an hour with a few basic tools and parts.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You’ll likely need to replace the faucet’s rubber seats and springs. Start by turning off the water supply lines and disassembling the faucet handle.
Clean or replace the seats and springs, reassemble, and turn the water back on to test for leaks.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the steps for diagnosing and fixing a leaky faucet handle for both compression and cartridge style faucets. You’ll learn how to take apart the faucet, identify worn parts, reassemble with new parts, and finally test for leaks.
Things You’ll Need
Basic tools like adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers
To fix a leaky faucet handle, you’ll need a few basic tools that can be found in most households. An adjustable wrench will come in handy for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. A screwdriver will be needed to remove screws that hold the faucet handle in place.
Pliers can be useful for gripping and turning small parts. These tools are essential for disassembling the faucet handle and accessing the internal components.
Replacement parts like seats, springs, cartridge, O-rings
When fixing a leaky faucet handle, it’s important to have the necessary replacement parts on hand. Common parts that may need to be replaced include the seats, springs, cartridge, and O-rings. These components can wear out over time and cause leaks.
It’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer or consult a plumbing professional to determine the specific parts needed for your faucet model.
Bucket to catch water
Before you start working on your leaky faucet handle, make sure to have a bucket or container nearby to catch any water that may come out during the repair process. This will help prevent water damage to your countertops or floors.
It’s always better to be prepared and have a bucket ready rather than scrambling to find something to catch the water at the last minute.
Rag or towel
A rag or towel is useful for cleaning up any spills or drips that may occur while fixing the leaky faucet handle. It’s important to have a clean and dry workspace to work on, and a rag or towel can help with that.
Additionally, having a towel nearby can be handy for wiping off any excess water or debris from the faucet handle or surrounding area.
Shutting Off the Water Supply
Locate the shutoff valves under the sink or behind the faucet
Before fixing a leaky faucet handle, it is important to shut off the water supply. To do this, you need to locate the shutoff valves. In most cases, these valves can be found under the sink or behind the faucet. Look for two small valves, one for hot water and one for cold water.
These valves are typically round or oval-shaped and may have a small lever or handle on top.
Turn the hot and cold knobs clockwise to turn off water
Once you have located the shutoff valves, it’s time to turn off the water. To do this, simply turn the knobs clockwise. Turning the knobs in this direction will shut off the water supply to the faucet. It is important to turn off both the hot and cold water valves to ensure that no water flows through the faucet while you are fixing the leaky handle.
Turn on the faucet to relieve pressure
After turning off the water supply, it is a good idea to turn on the faucet to relieve any pressure that may still be trapped in the pipes. This will help prevent any water from spraying out when you start working on the faucet handle.
Simply turn the faucet on and let any remaining water flow out until it stops completely.
For more detailed instructions on how to shut off the water supply to your specific faucet, you can refer to the manufacturer’s website or consult a professional plumber.
Disassembling the Faucet
When dealing with a leaky faucet handle, the first step is to disassemble the faucet. This process involves removing the various components of the faucet to access the source of the leak. Here’s how to do it:
Remove the faucet handle with a screw or setscrew
Start by locating the screw or setscrew that holds the faucet handle in place. This is typically found either on the top of the handle or underneath a decorative cap. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screw or setscrew, depending on the type of faucet.
Once the screw or setscrew is removed, the handle should easily come off.
Unscrew the spout with adjustable wrenches
After removing the handle, you’ll need to unscrew the spout to access the inner workings of the faucet. To do this, grab the spout firmly with one hand and use adjustable wrenches to loosen the spout counterclockwise. Be careful not to scratch or damage the finish of the spout.
Once the spout is loose, you can remove it completely.
Remove any retainer clips or bonnet nuts
With the spout removed, you may need to remove retainer clips or bonnet nuts depending on the type of faucet you have. These clips or nuts hold the cartridge or valve stem in place. Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove them.
Once the clips or nuts are removed, you can easily take out the cartridge or valve stem.
It’s important to note that the steps for disassembling a faucet may vary depending on the specific brand and model. It’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or their official website for detailed information on disassembling your particular faucet.
Identifying and Replacing Worn Parts
One common cause of a leaky faucet handle is worn out or damaged parts. By identifying and replacing these worn parts, you can fix the leak and restore your faucet to its normal functioning. Here are some steps to help you identify and replace the worn parts:
Examine rubber seats and springs for cracks or corrosion
The rubber seats and springs inside the faucet handle are critical components that help create a watertight seal. Over time, these parts can become worn out, cracked, or corroded, leading to leaks. To check for any damage, you can remove the handle and inspect the rubber seats and springs.
If you notice any cracks or corrosion, it’s time to replace them.
For cartridge faucets, check the cartridge for damage
Cartridge faucets have a different mechanism than traditional compression faucets. Instead of rubber seats and springs, they have a cartridge that controls the flow of water. If you have a cartridge faucet and notice a leak, it’s important to check the cartridge for any damage.
Look for signs of wear, such as cracks or excessive buildup of mineral deposits. If the cartridge is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Replace any worn rubber or plastic parts
Once you have identified the worn parts, it’s important to replace them with new ones. You can find replacement rubber seats, springs, and cartridges at your local hardware store or online. Make sure to choose the correct size and type of replacement parts to ensure a proper fit.
It’s a good idea to buy a few extra parts to have on hand for future repairs.
Reinstall new seals and springs
After replacing the worn parts, it’s time to reinstall them in the faucet handle. Carefully place the new rubber seats and springs back into their respective positions. Make sure they are properly aligned and seated securely.
For cartridge faucets, insert the new cartridge and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. Once everything is in place, reassemble the handle and test for any leaks.
By following these steps and replacing the worn parts, you can successfully fix a leaky faucet handle. Remember to turn off the water supply before starting any repairs and consult the manufacturer’s instructions if needed.
If you’re unsure about any step, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help. Now go ahead and fix that leaky faucet handle!
Reassembling and Testing for Leaks
Once you have successfully fixed the issue causing the faucet to leak, it’s time to reassemble the faucet handle and spout. Follow these steps to ensure a proper reassembly:
Reattach the faucet handle and spout
Take the faucet handle and carefully place it back onto the stem. Make sure it fits snugly and align it with any screw holes. Use a screwdriver or wrench to secure the handle in place, tightening any screws as needed.
Next, reattach the spout onto the base of the faucet, ensuring it is properly aligned and tightened.
Turn water supply back on and check for leaks
With the faucet handle and spout securely reattached, it’s time to turn the water supply back on. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them counterclockwise to restore water flow. Slowly turn on the faucet to check for any signs of leaks.
Keep a close eye on the connections and joints, as well as the base of the faucet. If you notice any leaks, proceed to the next step.
Tighten any connections that leak
If you spot any leaks during the testing phase, it’s essential to address them promptly. Use a wrench or pliers to tighten any connections that are causing the leaks. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause damage.
Double-check the tightness of all connections, including those between the faucet and the water supply lines, as well as any other joints.
Turn faucet on and off to test operation
Finally, turn the faucet on and off repeatedly to test its operation. Ensure that it turns on and off smoothly without any resistance. Check for any residual leaks or drips during both the on and off positions.
If you still notice any issues, it may be necessary to disassemble the faucet again and inspect for any missed or damaged components.
Remember, if you are unsure about any part of the reassembly or if leaks persist, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional plumber. They have the expertise to diagnose and fix any complex faucet issues.
Conclusion
A leaky faucet handle can often be fixed in less than an hour with some basic tools and inexpensive replacement parts. The key steps are disassembling to access the internal seals and springs, replacing any worn rubber or plastic components, and properly reassembling the faucet.
Be sure to turn the water supply lines back on slowly to check for leaks before completely opening the valves. Follow these steps and you can successfully stop the dripping and restore full function to your bathroom or kitchen faucet.
