Dripping bathroom faucets may not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to serious plumbing issues and a rise in your water bills. Thankfully, these faucet repairs are quick and simple enough to do on your own. The guide below explains everything you need to know about fixing a leaking faucet.

A Guide to Fixing Leaky Bathroom Faucets

What Are the Signs of a Leak?

Other than the telltale drip of tap water, there are a few other signals that your bathroom faucet is leaking. If you see water pooling around the fixture or on the bathroom counter, or wet spots under your sink when nobody has used it recently, you may be dealing with a leak that’s less obvious. Accumulating rust and mineral deposits in the faucet aerator or at the base of the fixture are also common signs of a leak.

Why Is Fixing It Quickly So Important?

Leaky faucets that drip once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water every year. That water waste can drive up your monthly bills and even damage your sink. While your plumbing can handle a normal amount of use, constant dripping will lead to extra wear and tear, and possibly rusting, which can shorten the life of your equipment. Quickly fixing the issue can save you the costs and hassle of a larger repair in the future.

How Do You Repair a Leaky Faucet?

Before you start, shut off the water valve below the sink. Place a drain stopper or rag over the drain to catch dropped parts. You’ll need to remove the handle, but how you do so will depend on the type of faucet you have. If the handle has a cover, use a slotted screwdriver to pry it off, then a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw underneath. Some handles have a set screw in the back, which you can remove with a hex key or Allen wrench. Take off the handle and set it aside.

Loosen the packing nut in the handle assembly with a crescent wrench, then carefully pull the cartridge out. If you notice any mineral deposits or grime, clean the affected parts with distilled white vinegar and a scouring pad, then rinse and dry. Check the O-rings around the housing and replace any that are worn or damaged. Your next step is to install the new cartridge, which should match the faucet’s manufacturer and model number. Bring the old cartridge to the plumbing supply store if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. Insert the correct cartridge, reattach the packing nut and handle, and switch your water line back on. Run both hot and cold water to ensure your tap is flowing smoothly.

If you need new plumbing parts to fix your leaky bathroom faucet, look no further than Day’s Plumbing Supply in Lexington, KY. This family-owned and -operated shop will help you find the supplies you need at a reasonable price. They carry a wide range of high-quality parts and fixtures for jobs of all scopes, including hard-to-find rare and antique features. For more information about faucet repair parts, visit their website. Call (859) 254-6148 to ask a helpful staff member about their inventory.