How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
From Donnie’s Plumbing
Nothing like the sound of a dripping faucet in the middle of the night, right? Just as you’re drifting off, you hear it: drip… drip… drip… But don’t worry—you can fix it without calling in the whole plumbing brigade. Follow this easy guide to stop the drip for good (and finally get some sleep).
Gather Your Gear
First things first—grab a few tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver (the one you didn’t lose in the junk drawer)
- Replacement washers or O-rings (cheap fix, worth every penny)
- Pliers
- Penetrating oil (if things are seriously stuck)
Step 1: Cut the Water (Trust Me, You’ll Want To)
Before you start, turn off the water supply. No one wants an unexpected mini-geyser in the bathroom. Under the sink, you’ll see two knobs—turn those counter-clockwise. Then, turn on the faucet to drain any leftover water.
Step 2: Dismantle the Handle
Now, let’s get that handle off. Use your screwdriver (here’s hoping it’s the right size!) to remove the screw. Sometimes there’s a cap on top you’ll need to pop off. If the handle’s being stubborn, don’t worry—a little penetrating oil can loosen things up. Give it a minute, then try again. If there’s no screws then you’ll need to just pry it off with a flat head screwdriver.
Step 3: Remove the Cartridge or Stem
After the handle’s off, you’ll see the cartridge or stem. Using your wrench, carefully loosen and pull it out. If you’re feeling a little like a surgeon at this point, you’re not alone. (P.S. Compression faucets will have a stem; newer models, a cartridge.)
Step 4: Inspect the Washer or O-Ring
Check out the bottom of the stem or cartridge. If you see a little rubber washer or O-ring, that’s likely the culprit behind the drip. These things wear out over time. Swap it out with a new one of the same size, and voila—you’re almost done! If this doesn’t work, it could be time to replace the cartridge or another part. I like to take pictures of how it’s put together so I can know how to put it together. Then you can take the whole defective part with you to the supply store and find the right replacement.
Step 5: Put It All Back Together (Like It Never Happened)
Now, reassemble everything. Pop the cartridge or stem back in, tighten it up, and screw the handle back on. No loose ends!
Step 6: Moment of Truth—Turn the Water Back On
Turn your water supply back on and give the faucet a test. Fingers crossed, you should have peace and quiet.
When to Call Donnie’s Plumbing
If you’ve tried everything and the drip’s still there, don’t sweat it. Sometimes these fixes get tricky. Give Donnie’s Plumbing in Temecula a call—we’re pros at turning drips into silence. Plus, we won’t judge you for trying it yourself first. (954)636-0085
Also check out other helpful plumbing article to help you in your DIY plumbing