A leaky faucet is more than just an annoyance. It can waste a lot of water over time and is indicative of a more serious problem inside your plumbing. Fortunately, they are typically easy to fix. Stock up on the appropriate faucet parts and use the following guide to handle the repair.

4 Steps to Repair Your Leaky Faucet

1. Shut Off the Water

The first step to any plumbing repair is turning off the water supply. Most sinks have a valve underneath them to turn off the water for that fixture; if it doesn’t have that valve, turn off the water main. Turn the handle on your sink to let out the remaining water in the pipes.

2. Disassemble the Faucet

If your faucet and its handles have decorative caps, remove them. Unscrew the handle to remove it; if it doesn’t move, spray it with WD-40. Loosen the packing nut with a wrench, then take the stem off. Then remove the cartridge of the faucet using channel locks pliers. Take care not to damage anything in the removal process.

3. Check & Replace Damaged Parts

Check the O-ring outside of the valve seat, as this part is often the first to wear out. If it shows signs of wear, replace it along with the washer next to it. Check that your replacement O-ring is the same size as the original.

4. Reassemble the Faucet Parts

Reassemble all the parts in the reverse order that you removed them. Make sure all the faucet parts are securely in place. Turn the water supply back on and test it to see whether the leak has been fixed.

Black’s Hardware carries all the faucet parts that you need for your repair in Rochester, NY. This family-owned hardware store has been serving the community since 1948, carrying a wide selection of plumbing parts at the best value. If they don’t have the part you need in stock, their knowledgeable staff can special order it for you. See their product inventory online and call (585) 544-9896 with any questions.