If you're a homeowner, you know there's nothing quite as
annoying as the "drip ... drip ... drip" of a leaky bathroom or
kitchen faucet. But did you know most dripping faucet issues are actually
pretty easy to fix yourself? Depending on the type of faucet you have (there
are four: compression, cartridge, ball and ceramic disk), here are three things
to look for as soon as your fixture starts to leak:
The washer
If your faucet has two separate handles that loosen and
tighten to turn on the hot and cold water, your faucet has a compression valve.
Compression faucets are the only type that uses washers, but these washers are
actually one of the most common causes of leaking - they can corrode, become
damaged or even just not be installed properly. If you have a compression
faucet, try replacing the washers in each handle first - this may fix the
problem.
The O-ring
In many faucets, including cartridge and compression models,
O-rings are installed within the handles to create a waterproof seal. When the
O-rings become damaged or loose, that seal can break, causing a leak near the
handle. If you have a leaking handle, try replacing the O-ring first - just
make sure you buy the right size or the new part will be just as non-functional
as the old one.
The cartridge
Cartridge faucets can have one or two handles, so they're
most easily distinguishable by how they feel to operate - turning the handle or
handles is a bit smoother and easier than a compression or ball faucet. When
cartridge faucets are leaking, it's often necessary to replace the entire
cartridge valve within them. New cartridges cost about $10-15, depending on
where you live, and they are relatively easy to install.
Remember that if you don't feel comfortable fixing a leaky
faucet yourself, it's always a good idea to call a local plumber for help!
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