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A leaky bathroom faucet is more than just a nuisance. Even if the leak is only a single drop of water every second can result in the loss of 50 gallons of water per week. The cost of that water makes it much cheaper and environmentally responsible to fix the leaky bathroom faucet as soon as possible.There are various reasons for a leaky bathroom faucet. In compression faucets, the washers may wear out and in the other washerless types of faucets the O-ring or stem may become defective. The repair for any type of faucet relies on replacing the faulty part.
Worn Out Washers
Compression type faucets rely on the compression of a rubber washer to keep the water from passing the turnoff and exiting the spot. Replacing the washer is relatively easy but requires a little strength and the proper tools.
To Replace a Washer:
- Using the valves underneath the sink, turn off the water to the faucet.
- Close the drain and place a cloth in the sink. (This is simply to catch any parts that you may drop.)
- Using a screwdriver, pry out the decorative cap on the top of the faucet handle and undo the screw underneath.
- Then, using a wrench, gently unscrew the packing nut that holds the stem in place.
- Next, unscrew the stem.
- On the bottom of the stem, you will probably see a torn or otherwise damaged rubber washer. It must be replaced with a washer identical in size and width.
- Replace the parts in reverse order and the leak should be fixed. Be sure to only gently tighten the parts as excessive tension is not necessary and could break something else.
Defective Stems in Washerless Faucets
Washerless faucets are wonders of technology but when they fail, they usually fail completely. In other words, instead of trying to find the exact cause of the leak in the faucet assembly, it is usually easier and less costly to just buy a replacement kit and replace the entire leaking faucet. The process is identical to the one above except that you replace the entire faucet stem instead of just the rubber washer.Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet is not particularly difficult but, again, requires some expertise and the right tools. A professional plumber can have fix one in under 30 minutes for the price of a regular service call.
Washerless faucets are wonders of technology but when they fail, they usually fail completely. In other words, instead of trying to find the exact cause of the leak in the faucet assembly, it is usually easier and less costly to just buy a replacement kit and replace the entire leaking faucet. The process is identical to the one above except that you replace the entire faucet stem instead of just the rubber washer.Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet is not particularly difficult but, again, requires some expertise and the right tools. A professional plumber can have fix one in under 30 minutes for the price of a regular service call.