Leaky bathroom faucet repairs for washer type faucets are pretty straightforward. With a few minutes and a Philips head screwdriver, you can fix the leak and start saving all that wasted water.
How to Repair a Leaky Bathroom Faucet
Faucet washers can become brittle and crack over time. This, as well as wear from use, can cause leaks. Your first response to a small leak in your bathroom or kitchen faucet is probably to close the handle tighter. This increases washer wear and can even damage the internal metal parts of the faucet. For the best results, replace leaky faucet washers as soon as you detect even a small or intermittent leak. This will save water and help to extend the useful life of the faucet.
- To repair a leaky bathroom faucet, start by turning off the water at the shutoff valve under or near the sink. If you can't find the shutoff valve, you can always turn off the water to the house and from the water heater for a few minutes while you complete the repair.
- Remove the decorative cap that snaps onto the faucet handle and remove the handle from the fixture with a Philips head screwdriver. The cap is usually plastic and can scratch or become damaged easily, so take your time. To loosen the cap, you might even try covering the screwdriver tip or other tool you're using in a soft cloth.
- Under the handle there will be a nut that you'll have to unscrew too.
- Once the nut is out, unscrew the remaining rod or stem and remove it.
- Remove any debris from the cavity and clean the stem with a mild soap and soft cloth. If it's badly corroded or worn, replace it. With the name of the faucet manufacturer and the worn stem, your local home improvement store or plumbing supply outlet can source a replacement.
- Remove the screw holding the washer in place and take out the washer. Even if the washer looks okay, replace it. You can use it as a model from which to source a replacement at your plumbing supply store.
- You can usually find kits of generic washers that may work, or locate the manufacturer's OEM supplies and match the model of your faucet to the manufacturer's preferred parts.
- Once you've located a washer, and stem if you need it, insert the new washer, replace the screw, and then insert the stem in the faucet cavity and turn it counter clockwise. Reattach the handle by screwing it in place. The last task is to snap on the decorative cap.
Replacing the bathroom washer should take care of the leaky faucet problem, but sometimes a worn or damaged washer seat can be causing the leak. Chances are that a replacement washer will make your bathroom faucet work like new, but if it doesn’t stop the leak, or only works for a short time, consider replacing or resurfacing the washer seat as your next step in finding a long-term fix.
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