How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 5 Easy Steps

04-09-2025

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 5 Easy Steps

A leaky faucet can be more than just an annoyance—it can also waste a significant amount of water, increasing your water bill. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a simple task that most homeowners can tackle themselves. At Judd's Plumbing in Mesa, Arizona, we’ve put together this easy guide to help you fix your leaky faucet in 5 simple steps.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before starting any plumbing repair, the first and most important step is to turn off the water supply. You’ll typically find the shut-off valve under the sink. Turn the valve clockwise to close it, which will prevent water from flowing while you work.

Tip: If your faucet has separate hot and cold valves, turn off both to ensure no water flows through the faucet.

2. Plug the Drain to Avoid Losing Small Parts

Next, plug the drain with a sink stopper or a rag. This step is crucial because small parts, like screws or washers, can easily fall down the drain while you’re disassembling the faucet.

3. Disassemble the Faucet

Now, it’s time to take apart the faucet. The exact method for disassembly will vary depending on the type of faucet you have (compression, ball, cartridge, or ceramic disk). However, most faucets have a handle that is secured with a screw.

• Use a screwdriver to remove the handle.
• Once the handle is off, use an adjustable wrench to remove the nut holding the faucet in place.
• Carefully take apart any additional components to access the faucet’s inner workings.

Pro Tip: Keep track of the order and orientation of each part as you remove them. This will make reassembly much easier.

4. Inspect and Replace the Washer or Cartridge

Once the faucet is disassembled, check the internal components for wear and tear. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer or cartridge. If the washer looks damaged or the cartridge is clogged, it’s time to replace them.

• For compression faucets, replace the rubber washer at the bottom of the valve seat.
• For cartridge faucets, you may need to replace the entire cartridge.
• For ball faucets, replace the cam and packing, as these often wear down over time.

Head to your local hardware store or plumbing supply shop to purchase the correct replacement parts for your faucet model.

5. Reassemble the Faucet and Test for Leaks

After replacing the damaged part(s), carefully reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you disassembled it. Tighten any nuts and screws securely, but avoid overtightening to prevent damaging any components.

Once the faucet is back together, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet. Let it run for a few minutes to ensure the leak is gone. If you still notice dripping, check the parts again to make sure everything is installed correctly.

Conclusion

Fixing a leaky faucet is a simple DIY task that anyone can handle with the right tools and instructions. By following these 5 easy steps, you can stop wasting water and avoid costly repairs.

However, if you find that the problem persists or you’re dealing with more complicated plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Judd’s Plumbing in Mesa, Arizona. Our team is ready to help with any plumbing problems, big or small.

Need help with plumbing repairs? Contact Judd’s Plumbing today!
Phone: 623-304-5833
Website: www.juddsplumbingmesa.com