How To Fix a Leaky Faucet

Everybody knows how expensive it is to call a plumber for repairs. Obviously, there are some jobs that require their expertise, however, there is one job that you can do yourself and save money – not only the plumber’s fee, but the savings you will realize once the task is done. I’m talking about that annoying ‘drip, drip, drip’ that bores into your brain in the wee small hours of the morning that no amount of tightening the tap will fix.

Approximately 15% of your water supply literally goes down the drain when you have a leaking faucet. That ‘drip, drip’ you hear every night may not sound very expensive, but those few extra dollars you lose each month can add up in the long run.

Locate the shut off valve under the sink and turn it off. If you have  double handled faucets, you only need to turn off the valve to the one that leaks – however, if you don’t think you know which one that is, turn them both off!

Remove the handle. Some handles have a small ‘cap’ covering the screw, so remove that first, being careful not to mark up the finish, then loosen the screw on the top.

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut and remove the stem. For all you women out there, remember this phrase – Righty tighty, Lefty loosey!

Once you have the stem out, you should check the inside of the faucet to see if the ’seat’ where the washer sits, is rough. This can cause the rubber washer to wear out quicker, and is likely the reason the tap is leaking. If the ’seat’ is rough, it will need to be either replaced (if possible) or ‘dressed’ (to smooth it out again) if non replaceable. To remove it, you will need a seat wrench, or a seat dressing tool to smooth it if removal is not an option.

At the bottom of the stem that you have just removed, is a rubber washer. This needs to be replaced. Take the stem assembly, or simply remove the screw and take the washer to your local hardware store to make sure you get the correct replacement part.

Once you have the new part, place the rubber washer and screw back on the stem and tighten it.

Insert the stem into the faucet and tighten the packing nut, being careful not to overtighten.

Replace the handle, tighten the screw and replace the cap (if applicable,) and voila! You have now saved yourself approximately $30.00 an hour and the cost of a ‘call-out’ to have a plumber fix your leaky tap! I’d say that calls for a reward – double mocha, extra cream, extra sugar latte anyone?