Fixing a leaky sink faucet is usually not difficult, and you can do it quickly with just basic tools and hardware.
In this age of increased specialization, however, many people aren't sure where to start.
In this article, we break it down for you in just six easy steps: Step 1: Shut Off the Water In order to work on the faucet, you'll need to disable the water from flowing.
The stop valve is located beneath the fixture, with the rest of the plumbing.
Alternately, you can close the home's main shut-off valve.
Step 2: Identify and Prep the Handle If the leaking water is cold, then you know that the cold handle is the issue.
If the leaking water is warm, then you know that the warm handle is an issue; however, it is possible that both the warm and cold handles are leaking.
Next, cover the drain, and then remove the screw cover from the leaking handles.
Some handles will have an escutcheon; remove it first by gently prying with a knife or screwdriver.
Step 3: Remove the Valve Steam The next step in fixing a leaky sink is to remove the valve stem and packing nut.
Loosen the lock nut by turning counterclockwise with channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench.
Next, pull up gently to lift the stem assembly from the faucet body.
Turn the packing top at the faucet's top counterclockwise.
Finally, twist out the valve stem, turning counterclockwise.
Step 4: Remove the Washer Use the channel-lock pliers to hold the stem assembly firm.
Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screw that holds the washer in place.
Remove the washer, which may be flat or beveled.
At this point, you may need to run to the hardware store to buy the right washer.
Buy extras.
Step 5: Replace the Washer Place the washer with the flat side against the base.
Replace the brass stem screw.
Replace the retaining screw.
Rub petroleum jelly on the stem threads.
This will make this entire process easier the next time.
Replace the handle and packing nut.
Test the faucet.
If it still leaks, check the other handle.
If you have, move onto the next step.
Step 6: Replace the O-Ring If a new washer didn't help, then fixing a leaky sink faucet will require replacing the O-ring.
At the stem spindle, remove the lock nut.
Then use long-nose pliers to remove the ring.
You might have to go to the hardware store again.
Buy extras.
The O-ring must be exact, and when you replace it, it must sit in the groove perfectly.
Use petroleum jelly to create a strong seal and to make this process easier next time.
In this age of increased specialization, however, many people aren't sure where to start.
In this article, we break it down for you in just six easy steps: Step 1: Shut Off the Water In order to work on the faucet, you'll need to disable the water from flowing.
The stop valve is located beneath the fixture, with the rest of the plumbing.
Alternately, you can close the home's main shut-off valve.
Step 2: Identify and Prep the Handle If the leaking water is cold, then you know that the cold handle is the issue.
If the leaking water is warm, then you know that the warm handle is an issue; however, it is possible that both the warm and cold handles are leaking.
Next, cover the drain, and then remove the screw cover from the leaking handles.
Some handles will have an escutcheon; remove it first by gently prying with a knife or screwdriver.
Step 3: Remove the Valve Steam The next step in fixing a leaky sink is to remove the valve stem and packing nut.
Loosen the lock nut by turning counterclockwise with channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench.
Next, pull up gently to lift the stem assembly from the faucet body.
Turn the packing top at the faucet's top counterclockwise.
Finally, twist out the valve stem, turning counterclockwise.
Step 4: Remove the Washer Use the channel-lock pliers to hold the stem assembly firm.
Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screw that holds the washer in place.
Remove the washer, which may be flat or beveled.
At this point, you may need to run to the hardware store to buy the right washer.
Buy extras.
Step 5: Replace the Washer Place the washer with the flat side against the base.
Replace the brass stem screw.
Replace the retaining screw.
Rub petroleum jelly on the stem threads.
This will make this entire process easier the next time.
Replace the handle and packing nut.
Test the faucet.
If it still leaks, check the other handle.
If you have, move onto the next step.
Step 6: Replace the O-Ring If a new washer didn't help, then fixing a leaky sink faucet will require replacing the O-ring.
At the stem spindle, remove the lock nut.
Then use long-nose pliers to remove the ring.
You might have to go to the hardware store again.
Buy extras.
The O-ring must be exact, and when you replace it, it must sit in the groove perfectly.
Use petroleum jelly to create a strong seal and to make this process easier next time.
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