Plumbing issues can be quite a head-scratcher. Sometimes, you can handle them on your own. Other times, you need to hire a professional plumber to inspect the problem and find a solution. However, you need to find the fine line between doing it yourself and getting it done professionally.

A dripping faucet is one such problem that can be taken care of at home. However, if it is not given the required attention on time, this problem can worsen and disrupt your entire plumbing system. Therefore, should something happen to your faucet, you should know how to fix a dripping faucet.

Types of Faucets

Before we get into fixing a faucet, let's explore the different types of faucets at your disposal:

1. Cartridge Faucets - Cartridge faucets are typically used in bathrooms. Handles on either side of the spout distinguish these faucets. The water can be turned on or off by moving the handle up or down. A cartridge located inside the sink regulates water flow by moving up and down.
2. Disc Faucets - Disc faucets are newer and more expensive than regular faucets. They are incredibly long-lasting and dependable. A single lever controls a disc faucet. A lever on top of it supports its cylindrical body.
3. Ball Faucets - The hot and cold water pipes are controlled by a ball joint on these faucets. The spout is topped with a rounded cap, and a single handle distinguishes them. You can change the pressure by pushing it up and down and the temperature by moving it to the left or right. These faucets are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-use areas.
4. Compression Water Faucets - Compression washer faucets, the earliest type of faucet, are still widely used today. Rubber washers are used to ensure a tight seal against water. They have two handles; however, they only go side to side, not up or down. The tightening of the handle can identify compression washer faucets as they are turned off.

5 Reasons for Dripping Faucets

Leaky faucets can be caused by a broader range of factors then you might expect. The following are the primary five reasons:

1. Defective Cartridge - If you have a faucet with two handles, one for hot water and one for cold, you have a cartridge-style faucet. Each handle has its own cartridge that works as a valve to control water flow into the faucet spout. Your faucet's water dripping is a symptom that the cartridge has been damaged.
2. Out of Work Washer - Broken washers are a common cause of a leaking faucet. Over time, friction between the valve seat and the washers might lead to the washers breaking down and needing to be replaced. As a result, the faucets start dripping. Incorrect installation or unfitting washers can also cause leaks.
3. Water Pressure - Your home's water pressure can be blamed if your bathroom faucet only drips water at specific times or when the knobs of your faucet are moved in a certain way.
4. Sink Faucet's O-Ring - The faucet handle is held in place by a tiny disc linked to the stem screw. O-rings, like washers, can wear out or become loose. This can be the source of leaks coming from your faucet's handle.
5. Out of Line Valve's Seat - If water is dripping from the spout of your faucet, the valve seat might not be in place. The spout is connected to the faucet by the valve seat. This can cause a leak in the seat if residue or sediment is accumulated.

How to Fix a Dripping Faucet

Now that we are familiar with different types of faucets and the reasons behind dripping faucets, let's explore different ways to fix a dripping faucet:

1. Turn Off the Water - Turning off the water is one of the most critical stages in repairing a leaking faucet. There is a risk of flooding your bathroom if you do not turn off the water to the sink. Locate the valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to turn them off. Turn off the main water supply to your home if your faucet does not have a shutoff valve. Turn on the faucet to check to ensure it's not still running. If there is no leakage, your task is complete.
2. Remove the Handles from the Faucet - A leaky faucet's handles can be removed in many ways, depending on the type of fixture you have. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the handle screws from conventional fixtures by loosening their caps. Pull the handles off of these by unscrewing them.
3. Disconnect the Valve Stem - Once you remove the faucet handle, you can see the inner valve stem or cartridge. It would help if you took this down, too. Unscrew the brass stem of a compression faucet's valve. Cartridge faucets can be removed by simply pulling them out of the sink. If you have problems, see your faucet's user manual or the internet for further instructions.
4. Inspect the Sink Carefully - After removing all of the components, thoroughly inspect them to see if anything else needs to be replaced to stop the leak. Seals, O-rings, and rubber washers should be readily apparent.
5. Replace the Damaged Parts - Replace any worn-out or broken components. Find the parts you need at your local hardware store. Take your leaky faucet parts to a hardware store and ask for identical replacements; it's the best and quickest method.
6. Clean the Water Valves - Take off the stem or cartridge and inspect the valve body. There is usually an accumulation of minerals. You can easily clean the valve seat by soaking it in white vinegar for a few minutes. It's time to scrape the rest of your sink to get it back to its shiny and smooth state.
7. Assemble the Faucet - Finally, reassemble your faucet after installing the new pieces and thoroughly cleaning it. Check for leaks by turning on the water supply.

Final Words

And that's a wrap on how to fix a dripping faucet. Follow the instructions given in this article and repair your faucets yourself. If you are still having trouble, call Mesa Plumbing Company for a thorough inspection.