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Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing, maintenance
or repairs.
Before working on your faucet, turn
off the water at the shut off valves or the main shut off, close
the drain so you won't lose small parts and put a towel in the
sink to prevent damage from dropped parts or tools. Wear a helmet
if you are really clumsy.
A leaky faucet typically leaks from
the spout or the knobs. If your faucet is leaking from the spout,
continue reading this article. Otherwise, refer to our diagnostic
page for links to the appropriate article.
There are four common operating
styles of faucets; compression, cartridge, ceramic disc and ball.
If your faucet has two handles, then it is probably a compression
type faucet, although it could be cartridge or disc. This article
deals with the compression style faucet only. Refer to our diagnostic
page for links to other styles of faucets.
How to Fix a Compression Faucet
A compression faucet has two handles
and as you turn the handle it opens a gap between the valve seat
and a washer letting water through. As that washer ages it may
harden or become worn and will fail to make a tight seal with
the valve seat. This allows water to leak through. In some cases
the valve seat itself may become damaged or worn and it causes
water to leak. Both conditions can usually be easily repaired.
To determine which handle is leaking,
alternately turn off the hot and cold water at the supply valve
under the sink. When the leaking stops, you know which valve is
leaking. However, it may be wise to repair both valves, since
they are probably both well worn.
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