(Take careful note of how the parts fit together before you start.) Otherwise, it may be time to call your plumber. If you feel comfortable taking the faucet apart, by all means you can try cleaning the parts and re-installing. If this doesn’t stop your leak, the problem is probably corrosion or broken parts inside your faucet. Be careful not to over-tighten the screw. Unless the parts are completely shot, this will probably be all you need to do to stop the leak. (If it is a nut, use regular pliers or a wrench.) This will compress the parts inside the faucet.

Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to turn the brass adjusting ring clockwise to tighten. Depending on your faucet, you will probably notice either a brass adjusting ring or a nut within the mechanism. Remove the screw and lift off the handle.If the screw cover is small enough to fall down the drain, it is also a good idea to plug the drain to prevent losing it. Be sure to use a piece of cloth or rubber between the tool and the chrome if necessary to avoid scratching the faucet. For example, sometimes the screw cover itself screws in, in which case you might need to use a pair of pliers or vise grips to loosen it. Occasionally the screw will be located on the side of the unit, so look there, too.) Depending on the type of single-lever faucet you have, you might be able to simply pry it up with your fingers, or you may need to use a tool. (There are many different types of single-lever faucets. Remove the screw cover from the top of the faucet.To be safe, shut off both the hot and cold sides. Do this by shutting off the supply valve under the sink. Vise grips, pliers (if needed to remove screw cover).These instructions are for fixing a single-lever faucet, the most common type found in home bathrooms and kitchens.įirst, collect your tools. Here’s how: Fix Your Leaky Faucet in 6 Easy Steps Often, though, a faucet will leak because the parts have worn enough that they no longer fit as tightly as they are meant to - but aren’t so far gone that they need replacing. These include corrosion and mineral deposits on the internal parts or defective parts, such as gaskets, O-rings or washers. There are several reasons a faucet may develop a leak. So it makes sense to fix leaks as soon as you notice them. And, should your drain ever clog, the pooled water could easily spill over onto your counter or floor, and cause untold damage to your home. If left unchecked this can ruin the sink. Over time, dissolved minerals in the water can stain and corrode the porcelain in your sink. A leaky faucet can lead to bigger problems if it isn’t caught in time. And if you’re leaking hot water, you’re paying to heat it, too. That’s like taking 2.3 showers a week without getting clean. It’s also a big waste of water: A faucet leaking once a second sends 150 gallons a month down the drain.

How to fix leaky faucet