How To Fix Dripping Bathroom Faucet

A dripping bathroom faucet is a common problem that can waste water and energy. It can also be annoying, especially if it happens at night. There are a few simple steps you can take to fix a dripping faucet yourself. First, you need to identify the type of faucet you have.

There are two main types of faucets: compression faucets and cartridge faucets. Compression faucets have a washer that seals the water flow. Cartridge faucets have a cartridge that does the same job. To identify the type of faucet you have, look at the handle. If the handle has a single knob, it is a compression faucet. If the handle has two knobs, it is a cartridge faucet.

Once you have identified the type of faucet you have, you can follow the steps below to fix the drip.

Fixing a Compression Faucet

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There will be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water.

2. Remove the aerator. The aerator is a small screen that is attached to the end of the faucet. It helps to aerate the water and reduce splashing. To remove the aerator, unscrew it counterclockwise.

3. Remove the packing nut. The packing nut is a large nut that is located behind the handle. To remove the packing nut, use a wrench to turn it counterclockwise.

4. Replace the washer. The washer is a small rubber washer that is located inside the packing nut. To replace the washer, remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new washer is the same size and shape as the old one.

5. Reassemble the faucet. Once you have replaced the washer, reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you disassembled it. First, screw on the packing nut. Then, screw on the aerator.

6. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Once you have reassembled the faucet, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully fixed the drip.

Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There will be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water.

2. Remove the handle. The handle is usually held in place by a screw. To remove the handle, use a screwdriver to remove the screw.

3. Remove the cartridge. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped object that is located behind the handle. To remove the cartridge, use a wrench to turn it counterclockwise.

4. Replace the cartridge. To replace the cartridge, insert the new cartridge into the faucet body. Then, turn the cartridge clockwise to tighten it.

5. Reassemble the faucet. Once you have replaced the cartridge, reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you disassembled it. First, screw on the handle. Then, turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

If you have followed the steps above and you are still unable to fix the drip, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and fix the drip quickly and efficiently.