Having a pricey and technologically advanced faucet does not guarantee that this appliance will not leak at some point. However, high-quality faucets are less likely to leak compared to low-quality ones. Nevertheless, all faucets are vulnerable and are more likely to spell trouble. In some cases, a faucet might leak immediately after installing it.
In this article, we’ll show how to fix a leaky faucet in a simple, easy-to-follow guide; you’ll be able to fix your unit in a jiffy with these simple and straightforward steps.
Figure out where the leak is coming from
Checking out where the leak is coming from is the first step to fixing a leaky kitchen faucet. A dripping faucet from the end of the spout requires a different repair method than faucet leaking about the base.
Determine the type of faucet
Each faucet type function in different ways, and features different parts than other types. Therefore, before starting to fix your faucet, you need to determine the type of faucet you have. To know the faucet type you have, you have to remove the handle.
- Ball Faucet – this faucet type features a ball bearing beneath the handle
- Cartridge Faucet – this type has under its handle a ceramic cylinder
- Compression Faucet – this faucet is easily identified as it comes with two handles
- Cartridge Faucet – just as the name suggests, this model comes with a cartridge under the handle.
How to fix a compression faucet
One of the easy to repair faucets, and moreover, their spare parts are not very pricey.
Compression faucets are easy to repair, and usually, their spare parts are cheap. Here’s how you do it.
With the aid of a Philips or straight screwdriver, remove the faucet’ handles. After which you can remove the nut using a wrench. Removing the nut will expose the O-ring.
Take a look at the washer and the O-ring, bear in mind that a washer is thicker than an O-ring and mostly made out of rubber if you notice leakage around the handles than the O-ring could be the culprit.
However, if the body of the faucet is leaking, then you need to replace the washer. After fixing either the washer or the O-ring, reassemble the handles.
How to fix a ceramic disk faucet
These units are known for their durability and serve users for a long time before dealing with a leaking faucet. If you notice your ceramic disk faucet leaking, then these tips will help you fix them.
Remove the ceramic disk faucet’ handle and remove the escutcheon cap sitting directly under the handle. The escutcheon cap is made out of metal. Now, with the aid of a wrench, you can access the neoprene seals by removing the disk cylinder.
Next, remove the seals and using white vinegar clean them. If you notice a considerable amount of hard water buildup, soak them in vinegar for a couple of hours and then check if they are good. However, if they still are in bad shape, then consider replacing them.
Replace the bad seal with new ones or put the old seals back. Reassemble the faucet, and turn on the water slowly because the ceramic disk must be soaked before you can forcefully turn on the water.
How to fix a cartridge faucet
Like ceramic disk faucet, cartridge faucet is durable. Sadly, they are a bit difficult to fix, unlike other types of faucets. Here’s how to repair one if they leak:
Just like other models, start by removing the handle and talking out the retaining clip. Cartridge faucets need this component for holding the cartridge in place. Getting the circular clip isn’t tricky to remove, all you need is a plier.
Take out the cartridge and remove the faucet spout and locate the O-rings. Here’s where it might be a bit challenging, as O-rings are challenging to remove but easier with a thin knife. However, before installing new ones, try to coat them with plumber’s grease or vaseline.
How to fix a ball faucet
While ball faucet is expensive and complicated to repair, they are usually durable. If you wish to fix a ball faucet, you will likely purchase some replacement parts and tools. These replacement kits are readily available at several local retailers at prices less than 30 USD.
Remove the handle first, then the cap and collar using pliers or a wrench. Also, you will need a special kit to loosen and remove the cam. Using some thin pliers take out the springs and seals to expose the mechanism.
Replace the O-rings with new ones. But before installing them, ensure you coat them with plumber grease or vaseline. Before reassembling the handle, replace all old components such as cam washer, springs and valve seats.