A dripping faucet is a source of torture, especially while you’re trying to sleep at night. It also adds to your water bill as all those unused drips go wasted down the drain. There’s no need to call in a plumber, though. Stop a washer faucet from leaking with just a few simple steps.
1. Shut off the water supply
If there’s a shut-off valve under the faucet, cut the water supply from that point. If not, you have to shut the water off at the main shut-off valve. Turn off the hot water supply at the water heater.
2. Disassemble the faucet
Remove the handle by loosening the screw. This screw is likely found under the decorative cap. The cap unscrews or pops off, depending on the type of faucet. Lift the handle off its stem and unscrew the packing nut. Remove the stem itself by rotating it.
3. Inspect the stem
Look the stem over for signs of corrosion. If the threads are corroded or damaged, you need to replace the stem. Clean dirty threads before replacing the stem.
4. Inspect the washer
Check the washer located on the bottom end of the stem for signs of wear or damage. If the washer appears worn or damaged, remove the brass screw holding it in place and install a new one. Be sure that the replacement is the same size and type of material.
5. Look over the washer seat
If you find that you are having to replace washers often, it’s most likely that there is damage to the washer seat. The seat is located inside the faucet body. If there is damage or corrosion on the washer seat, it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.
6. Reassemble the faucet
Once you have replaced the washer and resurfaced or replaced the seat, your faucet functions like new. Put the faucet back together by reversing the order in which you took it apart. Lubricate the threads with a little petroleum jelly or silicone grease. Turn the water back on when you finish and inspect for any further leaks.
Now more than ever, folks are looking for ways to save money. You are often able to stop a washer faucet from leaking with just a few parts from your local hardware store. Be sure to take the old parts to the store along with you to make sure the new ones are the same.
