Leaking plumbing is a problem that everyone has to deal with sooner or later: either the faucet is leaking in the kitchen, or a similar situation is observed in the bathroom. Be that as it may, remember: it’s not just water leaking, it’s your hard-earned money “running away” down the drain! How to fix a faucet if it's dripping? The solution to this problem depends on the type of plumbing fixture and the cause of the leak.
How to fix a faucet if it's dripping?
Let us immediately make a reservation that such a seemingly trivial problem can lead to the most tragic consequences - for example, the mixer may become completely unusable or water will burst at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, you need to act as early as possible. And it’s good that there is nothing extremely difficult here - find out the cause of the leak, acquire the necessary tools/materials and, in fact, start working.
How does a kitchen faucet work?
DIY faucet repair
What types of mixers are there?
Let's start with the fact that, depending on the design features, there are two groups of plumbing taps.
- Single lever. The water pressure and temperature in this case are regulated by just one knob, which rotates in two planes. Cartridges are used here as rotating mechanisms (they can be ball or disk).
How does a single lever mixer work? - Double lever (such devices are also called valve devices). Their distinctive feature is that the pressure is regulated by handles located on the sides of the mixer. Special valve axle boxes (they come with rotating ceramic plates or worm-type ones) serve as locking elements here. But we note that the service life of crane axle boxes is half that of the cartridges mentioned above.
Valve mixer
Important information! The repair process is largely determined by what type of dripping plumbing faucet it is. But we’ll talk about this in more detail a little later.
Possible leak locations
Long spout mixer
Why might a faucet drip? Let's understand the reasons
As a rule, the cause of a leak can be easily determined by getting your bearings on the spot. Below are the most common causes of this problem.
Table. Why might a faucet drip? Common reasons
| Reason, photo | Short description |
| Poor installation of the device | If installation or assembly was carried out incorrectly, with errors, this will inevitably cause a leak (sooner or later). For example, if you tighten the nut very tightly during the process, this will damage the sealing gasket, which means it (the gasket) will wear out faster. A supply hose that is not secured tightly will cause a leak under the tap. |
| Ball cartridge clogged | The ball mixer has a by no means ideal design - the internal parts, which fit very tightly, react poorly to various types of impurities in the liquid. To eliminate a leak in this case, the faucet will have to be completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. |
| The oil seal is worn out | The main disadvantage of the oil seal (or, as it is also called, the oil seal) is that it wears out very quickly. This problem is easy to identify: if the tap is closed, then there are no signs of a malfunction, but if it is opened, water will immediately begin to flow from under the valves. This suggests that the reason lies in the wear of the oil seal. |
| Faucet wear | Any plumbing equipment has a limited service life, therefore, over time, users encounter problems such as wear of the threads or locking mechanism. In such a situation, nothing can be achieved by replacing individual parts or tightening the nuts - it is necessary to change the entire mixer. |
| Wear of the rubber gasket | Repeatedly turning the faucet on/off leads to wear of its elements (including the gasket). The material deforms, its dimensions change, and cracks appear on it. And if your faucet drips in the closed position, then the problem most likely lies in the gasket (it needs to be replaced). |
Leak between faucet and sink
Problems with shut-off pipe fittings
Since the term “faucet” refers not only to a mechanism for supplying water to a sink, bathtub or sink, but also to a water shut-off valve, let’s figure out how to fix a ball valve.
A diagram of this device, also called a “half-turn tap,” is shown below.
As can be seen from the diagram, leaks in this mechanism can occur due to problems with:
- seals at joints;
- thread on the rod;
- breakdown of the internal locking element - the ball.
The seals are replaced using conventional technology, as is the rod. To replace a valve, it is necessary to select the exact part, so sometimes the best repair option for such a breakdown is considered to be replacing the entire ball valve.
How to fix a leaking faucet
Let’s say right away that in most cases there are no difficulties in replacing a leaking faucet, but beginners still often encounter some problems. However, preliminary preparation and strict adherence to step-by-step instructions will help cope with leaks and significantly increase the service life of the mixer.
In principle, repairing a faucet yourself is not such a difficult task.
Preparing for work
Before you begin directly repairing/replacing the mixer, you must turn off the water in the riser. Otherwise, problems with the tap will be aggravated by flooding of the apartment (not only your own, but also the neighbors below). Only after turning off the water can further work begin.
Water supply risers
To carry out repair work, you will need the following:
- some kind of vessel (to collect water);
- rags;
- Adjustable wrench;
- sponge;
- silicone seals;
- cleaning agent;
- screwdrivers;
- wrench;
- fluoroplastic sealing tape;
- rubber gaskets (new);
- pliers.
Fluoroplastic tape
All these tools/materials are quite enough to deal with a leaking plumbing faucet with your own hands.
On a note! If the mixer was purchased recently and you even saved the packaging, then you may find the manufacturer’s instructions and even a repair kit in it. In this case, the work will go much faster.
Repair kit for mixer (AKVAREM)
Tips and tricks
The water supply system in an apartment or private house is a source of increased danger. Therefore, when operating it, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules to avoid problems. Let's list them:
- Have the ability to quickly turn off water from the riser.
- A set of tools for performing repair work should always be at hand.
- It is necessary to keep in the house a set of replaceable components for faucets and mixers that are in use.
- Be prepared to urgently call emergency water services in the event of a serious accident.
- And, of course, you need to know the rules and procedures for independently eliminating an emergency situation.
Method No. 1. Replacing the gasket
If the rubber gasket needs to be replaced, you need to proceed according to the following algorithm.
Step 1. First, the valve is disassembled - the plug is removed, then the screw located under it is unscrewed and the core is unscrewed using an adjustable wrench (you need to turn it counterclockwise) to remove the valve axle box.
Replacing the gasket in the valve mixer
Step 2. The gasket must be replaced and secured in the axle box.
Step 3. At the end of the removal, all the elements are installed in their places.
Prices for bathroom faucets
bathroom faucet
Step-by-step process for replacing the gasket
Valve mixer leak elimination diagram
Note! If the faucet is leaking in the shower, then using the same adjustable wrench you need to unscrew the shower hose, replace the gasket, and then fasten it (the hose) in place. The gasket under the gander nut is also changed.
Unscrewed hose
Mixer body leaking
Leak at the connection point of the shower hose and shower head
Even during the operation of the mixer, leaks often form at the connection points of the flexible hose to the mixer and shower head. Gaskets are installed in these places, which become deformed and fall in over time. If a leak occurs, disconnect the hose and replace the gaskets.
The hose is connected to the mixer using a hex nut. You need to unscrew it and change the gasket.
To replace the gasket where the shower hose connects to the faucet, you will need a wrench.
The connection between the hose and the shower head is made using a conical relief nut, which can be unscrewed without a tool and even a girl can do it. There is a gasket on the pressure hose that needs to be replaced with a new one.
Note! The hex and flare nuts for connecting the shower hose are very thin, so you should not use much force when tightening them, as they may burst.
Method No. 2. Replacing the stuffing box seal
If the cause of a leaking plumbing faucet is wear of the seal, then you can fix the problem in one of two ways:
- unscrew the stuffing box nut, and then replace the stuffing box itself;
- make the liner yourself from fluoroplastic tape.
Another solution to the issue is to change the oil seal or the entire faucet.
If you do everything correctly and in accordance with our recommendations, the faucet will stop dripping and the valve will turn smoothly.
Video - How to repair a faucet
Method number 3. Ball valve repair
If the problem lies in the ball valve itself, then it must be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, and, if necessary, the locking mechanism must be completely replaced. In this situation, you should act this way.
Schematic structure of a ball model of a kitchen faucet
Step 1. First, unscrew the screw and remove the lever.
Step 2. Then the threaded screw is unscrewed.
Step 3. The mixer dome is removed (along with its plastic part).
Step 4. The ball is removed and carefully inspected. If any defects or damage are detected, the ball must be replaced.
Step 5. The seals are removed and checked for wear and whether there is plaque on them.
Step 6. Dirt and deposits are removed from the seals, after which a special lubricant is applied.
Ball mixer disassembly diagram
Step 7. All parts are installed back. Connections are checked for leaks.
Touchless faucet with motion sensor
If the mixer is assembled correctly, there should be no leaks; the water temperature will be regulated by light turns of the lever.
Stages of installing faucets in bathrooms
Method number 4. Replacing the cartridge
We have already mentioned above that cartridges are more convenient to use than axle-box cranes, but if they break, then, alas, the entire mechanism will have to be replaced at once. Below is an algorithm of necessary actions.
Changing the cartridge
Step 1. First of all, unscrew the plug on the lever, after which the fixing screw is also unscrewed.
Step 2. Decorative elements are removed, then the nut that presses the cartridge is unscrewed.
Step 3. The mechanism is removed and carefully inspected (you need to find out what the condition of the gaskets at its end is). Note that they can be replaced.
Prices for kitchen faucets
kitchen faucet
How to remove a cartridge
Step 4. If it is impossible to replace the seals, a new disk element is inserted into the tap.
Step 5. All elements of the crane are put back together.
Scheme for self-installation of the cartridge in the mixer
Option four. Changing the cartridge
As noted earlier, it is much more convenient to use cartridges than crane axle boxes, but if the former fail, the entire mechanism will need to be replaced at once. The sequence of actions is given below.
A short guide to replacing the cartridge
Step 1 . First, unscrew the plug on the lever, and then unscrew the fixing screw itself.
Step 2 . Remove the decorative elements, unscrew the nut holding the cartridge.
Step 3 . Remove the mechanism and look at the condition of the gaskets at its end. You can try replacing them.
How to remove a cartridge
Step 4 . If the seals cannot be replaced, install a new disk element in the faucet.
Step 5 . Reassemble all faucet elements.
Another example of replacing a faucet cartridge
What to do if the new faucet is dripping?
Sometimes even a faucet that was purchased and installed relatively recently begins to leak. In such situations, the reason, as a rule, is simple to the point of banality - the device has a manufacturing defect, which is difficult to identify during external inspection.
Important information! Cracks and chips inside the structure can hardly be eliminated on your own - even an experienced plumber will not be able to do this. That is why the only correct solution is to return the faucet to the store and ask the seller to replace the defective model.
New faucet
Finally, we note that the faucet in the kitchen or bathroom can start dripping at any moment. To solve this kind of problem, you can go one of two possible ways - to involve a qualified specialist in the work or to try to do everything yourself. However, if you know the exact cause of the leak and how to properly eliminate it, then no difficulties should arise.
Note! To prevent a leak from appearing at the most inopportune moment, regularly carry out preventive measures - change gaskets in a timely manner, check the condition of locking mechanisms. All this will significantly extend the life of the crane!
Briefly about the main thing
In order to know how to fix a faucet if it drips, you should first determine which faucet is installed, as well as how it is designed, since valve and single-lever devices differ in design and type of locking mechanism.
You can easily repair a faucet yourself if you have the necessary knowledge and tools. Most often, a leak is the result of wear on the gasket or deformation of the shut-off device.
To keep the faucet in working condition, it is necessary to carry out professional maintenance every two years.
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