Most faucet leaks can be traced to worn out washers or gaskets around the valve—which are hidden under the handle. How you get to those parts depends on the type of faucet you have.
Compression Faucets
- Using a flat head screwdriver, pry off the decorative cover on the handle.
- Unscrew the handle from the stem, loosen the packing net, and pull out the stem.
- Remove and replace the washer and o-ring, then reassemble the faucet.
Ball-Type Faucets
- With ball-type faucets, it’s easiest to replace all the parts at once. So, first purchase a complete repair kit that matches your fixture.
- Remove the handle by loosening the setscrew with an Allen wrench.
- Tighten the locking collar with the wrench included in your repair kit. If that stops your leak, simply reattach the handle.
- Otherwise, pull the cap off the handle base, then remove the plastic cam, cam washer, rotating ball, and rubber valve seats and springs. Replace any worn parts.
- If the leak seems to be coming from the base of the faucet, pull off the spout and replace the O-rings.
- Reassemble the faucet.
Cartridge Faucets
- Remove the faucet handles by releasing the retaining screw located under the decorative caps.
- Unscrew the nut securing the cartridge, then remove the cartridge by pulling it straight up.
- Replace the spring and seat.
- Apply plumber’s grease to the new cartridge, push it into the faucet, and tighten it with the nut.
- Secure the handles back in place.
Ceramic Disk Faucets
- Unscrew and remove the faucet handle, then remove the metal escutcheon cap.
- Unscrew and lift out the disk cylinder.
- Pry out the neoprene seals and replace any that are deteriorated.
- Clean the cylinder with white vinegar, then rinse well.
- Reassemble the faucet and gradually turn on the water to avoid cracking the ceramic disk.
Note: Before beginning any faucet repair, be sure to turn off the water supply and cover the drain so you don’t lose any little pieces. Also, be sure to use exact replacement parts. If you’re unsure what to get, take the old parts to your local hardware store and ask for help.
Maplewood Plumbing and Sewer has been repairing and replacing leaky faucets in St. Louis homes for more than 30 years. Contact us today at 314-645-6350 or here for more information or to request a bid.
We offer a one-year warranty on all parts and labor excluding washers.
We are also experts in hot water heater installation, tankless water heater installation, garbage disposal repair and replacement, bathroom plumbing and basement plumbing. Give us a call at 314-645-6350 or fill out the contact form here to request a bid.