How To Fix A Leaky Bathroom Faucet With Two Handles

A leaky bathroom faucet can be a real nuisance, and it can also waste a lot of water. Fortunately, it is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to fix a leaky bathroom faucet with two handles:

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Adjustable wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
New faucet washer
Petroleum jelly

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. There should 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.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

Once the water is turned off, you can remove the handle. Most handles are held in place by a screw on the top of the handle. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw and then pull the handle straight up to remove it.

Step 3: Remove the Packing Nut

Under the handle, you will see a packing nut. This nut is what seals the water around the stem of the faucet. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut and remove it.

Step 4: Remove the Stem

Once the packing nut is removed, you can remove the stem. The stem is held in place by a nut on the bottom of the stem. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut and then pull the stem straight up to remove it.

Step 5: Inspect the Washer

Once the stem is removed, you can inspect the washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic disc that sits on the bottom of the stem and seals the water around the stem. If the washer is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Step 6: Install the New Washer

If the washer needs to be replaced, insert a new washer onto the bottom of the stem. Make sure that the washer is facing the correct direction. The washer should have a beveled edge, and the beveled edge should face down.

Step 7: Apply Petroleum Jelly

Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the threads of the stem. This will help to lubricate the threads and make it easier to install the stem.

Step 8: Reinstall the Stem

Reinsert the stem into the faucet body. Tighten the nut on the bottom of the stem until it is snug. Do not overtighten the nut.

Step 9: Reinstall the Packing Nut

Reinstall the packing nut onto the faucet body. Tighten the packing nut until it is snug. Do not overtighten the packing nut.

Step 10: Reinstall the Handle

Reinsert the handle onto the faucet body. Tighten the screw on the top of the handle until it is snug. Do not overtighten the screw.

Step 11: Turn On the Water Supply

Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check for leaks. If there is a leak, turn off the water supply and repeat the steps above.

Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet with two handles is a simple and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. By following the steps above, you can save yourself the cost of calling a plumber.