The Answer Man

close up of faucet with water dripping from it

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

01/14/2022

Today we’re going to talk about how to fix a leaky faucet. This is an issue that many homeowners face, and it can be frustrating when you don’t know what to do. But have no fear, The Answer Man is here! It’s really not as difficult as it may seem – anyone can do it with a little bit of know-how! All you need are the right supplies and tools, which you can get at your local C&C Farm and Home store. So gather up your materials, and let’s get started! 

Determine What Kind of Faucet You Have

First, you’re going to need to find out what kind of faucet the leaky one is. Is it a compression faucet? A disc faucet? A cartridge faucet? This will affect whether or not you can fix the issue yourself, because each type has different parts that could be causing the problem. If you’re not sure which type yours is, try asking an employee at C&C Farm and Home when you go to get supplies – they’ll be able to help! 

If it’s a compression faucet: Replace the O-rings on both sides of the stem nut. This will fix most problems with leaks in these types of faucets as long as there isn’t anything more serious going wrong (such as corrosion) that may require replacement parts or even an entirely new fixture altogether! 

If it’s a disc faucet: You should replace the rubber seats and springs for each side; this often fixes any issues related to leaking from those specific areas without needing further work done elsewhere your plumbing system. 

If it’s a cartridge faucet: Replacement cartridges are available at most hardware stores, and this is usually the easiest type of leaky faucet to fix. Just be sure you get the right size cartridge for your particular model!  

Gather Your Materials

Once you’ve determined what kind of faucet you have, it’s time to gather up your supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:  

-A screwdriver or Allen wrench (depending on the type of fixture)  

-Channel locks or pliers  

-Teflon tape  

– basin wrench (optional)  

Now Fix Your Faucet!

Now that you have all of your materials ready, here are the steps to fixing a leaky faucet:  

First, turn off the water to the faucet at the main shut-off valve. This is usually located near where your plumbing enters your house.  

Next, remove the handle by unscrewing it or popping it free (depending on the type of fixture).  

Once the handle is off, you should be able to see the stem nut and O-rings (if they’re compression faucets). Remove these parts and replace them with new ones – just be sure to use plenty of Teflon tape on the threads!  

Reattach everything in reverse order, making sure that all screws are tight and there’s no leakage. Turn on the water and give it a test run!  

If you have a basin wrench, this makes things easier because it will allow you access to hard-to-reach places without having to turn off your water supply.  

You may want someone else watching while you do all of these steps so they can check for leaks and make sure none are present before replacing everything back where they should be – including screws, nuts etc.

For more advice and tips on how to fix your leaky faucet, visit your local C&C Farm and Home store to speak with our knowledgeable representatives. We have the answers to all of your home repair needs!