Faucet Repair

When a faucet drips continually, it's a surefire sign that it's damaged in some way. We often associate decreased water pressure with clogged pipes or other problems in the plumbing system. But in a faucet, poor water pressure can signal a need for repairs. If the faucet has been altered in some way, that could be the reason for the lack of pressure and poor performance. Temperature control should also be smooth and consistent. If you're suddenly getting hellaciously hot water when you know you set the faucet for cool, something might not be right internally. On top of the signs we've already mentioned, there are also sounds to consider when declaring a faucet in need of repair.

Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and Teflon tape are the basic tools needed to repair a faucet. If a joint or connection is leaking, it's pretty likely that the joint is not properly sealed, and the Teflon tape might be part of the solution. Other more specialized tools like a basin wrench or a faucet handle puller might also come in handy for certain repairs, and of course, if you don't have good light to see what you're doing, a flashlight can be very useful.

To begin, shut off the supply of water so that no additional leaking occurs while you work. Remove the pieces of the faucet so you can look at the washers, O-rings, and seals—these are the things most likely to have gone bad and to be causing a leak. Replace anything that might be worn out, and make sure to tighten all the pieces securely before putting the faucet back together. When you've done all this, turn the water back on and check for leaks again.

High water pressure or worn-out washers often cause squealing noises. If the water pressure is too high, simply adjusting it downwards usually resolves the awful noise. When it comes to washers, the problem may lie either with the size or the type. Replacing the noisy ones with the proper size and type typically eliminates the sound. But even if you're not dealing with a mineral buildup, giving all your nozzles a thorough cleaning can sometimes result in a significant drop in the number of squeals.

Most faucet repairs are quite simple and require only common hand tools and a bit of patience—especially if you're doing them yourself and are reasonably handy. Leaks, drips, and straightforward part replacements are common enough that most homeowners can tackle these repairs without much trouble. But if the problem seems to be more than just a simple fix or if you're not quite sure of your plumbing skills, it makes sense to call a pro to avoid further damaging your faucet or plumbing system. Some faucet problems, like completely replacing the old faucet with a new one, or addressing plumbing system issues, require professional skills and knowledge to resolve.

To begin, shut off the water supply so that it won't drip on you while you work. When you go to look at the parts that make up the faucet, start with the handle itself. In the vast majority of cases, if there is going to be a drip, it will probably be happening in or around the handle. That is because, in most modern taps, the handle has a cartridge or valve that regulates the flow. If you have an older model; however, the mechanism might be a little different, but the condition of the handle and the parts surrounding it are still a great place to start your diagnosis.

Faucets with a ceramic disk design are built using two ceramic components, with one controlling temperature and the other controlling water flow. When you handle a ceramic disk faucet, what you're actually doing is controlling the water and temperature flow by moving the disks that are internally moving relative to one another—not unlike what happens in a traditional washer faucet or a ball-type faucet. Disk faucets are built to last. Still, they can require maintenance if you're in a hard-water area and allow mineral deposits to build up.

In most situations, cleaning and lubricating the internal parts will restore even the stiffest faucet handles to smooth operation. Start the repair by turning off the water and disassembling the faucet so that you can get at the stem and any other components that are supposed to move. Once the assembly is taken apart, clean all the parts thoroughly to remove any buildup of mineral deposits or other materials that might be causing resistance. Then, apply a generous amount of plumbing-safe lubricant to the moving parts and reassemble the faucet. When you turn the water back on, check the handle for improved movement.

Shut off the water supply and open the faucet to let any leftover water drain out. Take off the handle and unscrew the packing nut to reveal the stem assembly, which you can unscrew to reach the washer. After you take out the old washer, put in a new one that matches in size and type. Put back together the faucet and turn your water back on. Check for leaks to see if you haven't done any wrong.

Faucets come in a variety of types, not to mention styles, and serve their master in different ways. On the more traditional end of the spectrum are the compression and ball faucets. The more modern taps—like cartridge and ceramic disk faucets—are found more often in new homes and, of course, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms. In at least one study, the newer types of faucets, particularly ceramic disk faucets, have been associated with a considerable reduction in the amount of water flowing through them.