How to fix a leaky faucet

A leaky faucet not only wastes water, but also makes your water bill go up.

A leaking faucet isn’t just annoying; it can be expensive for homeowners. All of those little drips and drops can add up to a big water bill, or even lead to a plumbing emergency. If you have the right attitude and the proper tools, it’s not hard to fix a leaky faucet yourself. 

All you’ll need is a bucket, a flashlight, a Phillip’s screwdriver, plumber’s putty and an adjustable wrench.

Follow these steps to repair a leaky faucet

1. Turn off the water to the sink. This is usually done via the valves beneath the sink, but you may need to turn it off at the water main. If possible, put a bucket under the sink to catch any water that might leak out. 2. Inspect the handles on the faucet as they could be the cause of the leak. Most faucets have a cap that you'll need to pop off to access the screw that secures the handle to the valve stem. Then loosen the handles and remove them from the faucet. 3. Disassemble the faucet and clean all parts with a calcium remover. Check the rubber gasket for signs of cracking or wear. In all likelihood, that will be the cause of the leak. If so, replace it with another washer. They’re easy to locate at most hardware stores. Take the old gasket with you to find a perfect match. 

4. Replace the worn gasket with the new one and reassemble the faucet. 

5. Reattach the faucet and tighten it securely in place. Make sure the faucet is firmly attached to the sink. Tighten the entire assembly, and turn the handle to the off position. 6. Turn the water back on and test the faucet. The leak should be fixed! If this doesn’t fix the drip, you may need to contact S&K Construction/Handyman Services LLC 512-296-4083