How to Fix a Dripping Faucet

Faucets and shower heads that drip and leak persistently are among the worst household problems that annoy everyone, not to mention they waste so much water. Basically, a dripping faucet is the sign that the tap is worn out and needs replacement or fixing.

A faucet may start dripping due to three main reasons - torn rubber washer, worn out valve threads, or washer screws. Luckily, faucets don't have many moving parts and have less complicated designs.

• Slip joint pliers
• Penetrating oil or grease and sealant
• New washers
• A rag
• Screwdrivers
• O ring and cartridge
• A pocket knife and allen wrench

• Cut off the main water supply that provides water to the entire household. After holding back the water supply, remove the faucet handle, and let out all the water from it.

• Now, remove the valve stem by using the slip joint pliers. For this, turn the valve stem the same way you turn the faucet nob to get water. At the bottom of the valve stem, you will find the rubber washer.

• Observe the condition of the washer closely, to see whether it needs to be replaced or the problem lies elsewhere. Use the screwdriver to remove the washer from the valve stem, use grease as well.

• While removing the washer from the valve stem, make sure you do not cause any damage to the metal bottom of the valve stem. In case of damage, the valve stem might need to be replaced, which again is a costly affair.
• Check if the valve seat, which is at the bottom of the faucet, is damaged. Remove the valve seat by using the allen wrench (move it in anti-clockwise direction), and install the new valve seat with the help of the screwdriver.

Once you replace the valve seat carefully, make sure you replace all the other damaged parts, namely - washer, valve stem, and possibly the faucet handle as well. Make sure you replace washers of both, hot as well as the cold water supplies, as a precautionary measure.

You can use vinegar to clean up the replacements and then install them. Make sure you let the sealants and grease dry off totally. Turn on the water supply and observe if the water dripping problem still persists. If it does, then the problem is a serious one and should be addressed immediately by a professional.