A dripping faucet is one of those small household nuisances that can quickly become a major irritation. Beyond the rhythmic sound that keeps you awake at night, a leaky tap can waste hundreds of gallons of water over a year. Many homeowners assume that a drip requires an expensive visit from a professional plumber, but most leaks are caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring that you can easily replace yourself in less than an hour.
Before you begin, you need to identify the source of the leak and gather a few basic tools. Most repairs require an adjustable wrench, a flat-head or Phillips-head screwdriver, and a set of replacement washers or a cartridge kit specifically designed for your faucet model. It is also helpful to have some penetrating oil on hand if the parts are old and difficult to loosen.
The most important first step is to turn off the water supply. Look under the sink for the shut-off valves and turn them clockwise until they are tight. Once the water is off, turn the faucet handle to the on position to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
You might want to plug the drain with a rag or a stopper to ensure that small screws or parts do not accidentally fall down the pipes during the disassembly process. Next, remove the decorative cap on the faucet handle to reveal the screw underneath. Use your screwdriver to remove the screw and pull the handle off.
Depending on your faucet type, you will see a nut or a cartridge. Use your wrench to loosen the packing nut or remove the clip holding the cartridge in place. This is where you will find the rubber washer or O-ring that has likely degraded over time.
Take the old part to a local hardware store to ensure you purchase the exact size for a replacement. Once you have the new part, install it in the same position as the old one. Reassemble the faucet by reversing the steps you took to take it apart.
Tighten the packing nut firmly but do not over-tighten it, as this can damage the new seals. Finally, turn the water supply back on slowly and check for leaks. With a bit of patience, you have saved money and restored peace to your kitchen or bathroom.