Has your sink faucet been slowly dripping water for weeks now? Maybe it’s been even longer than that. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but if you don’t get it fixed, it could cost you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary water bills.
The good news is that this is a relatively easy problem to solve. If you’re lucky, you might not even need to call a plumber. Follow our guide below to troubleshoot your leaky faucet and see if you can fix it on your own.
Steps to Fix a Slow Drip from a Sink Faucet
1. Shut Off the Water
Before you do anything else, make sure your home’s water supply is turned off. Locate your home’s shut-off valve (you’ll usually find it near your water meter or the home’s main water line) and turn it clockwise until it tightens. This will allow you to safely work on your faucet.
2. Take the Faucet Apart
To find out what’s causing the dripping, you’ll need to examine the inner mechanisms in your sink faucet. Start by removing the handles and stem using the appropriate tools, making sure to note how to put them back when you’re done. Don’t lose any parts – especially those tiny washers!
3. Check for Obvious Problems
Most leaky faucets are caused by issues that are easy to spot once you’re inside them. Some of the most common include:
- Corroded metal washers and valve seats
- Hardened rubber seals and washers
- Damaged or loose O-rings
- Worn-out cartridges (the component that controls water flow)
If any of these parts look like they might be damaged, replace them with new ones. You’ll need exact matches, though, so be sure to double-check whether you have the right make and model before attempting to install your new components.
4. Clean Everything
It’s a good idea to clean your faucet parts before reassembly regardless of whether you find obvious signs of damage. Mineral build-up can cause faucet leaks on its own, and giving your faucet an occasional cleaning is the only reliable way to keep the problem at bay.
Soak everything in a commercial descaling solution or white vinegar for at least one hour. You’ll break down any built-up gunk and leave all your faucet parts in peak condition.
5. Reassemble and Test
Once everything is clean, put your faucet back together and turn the water back on. Turn the tap on briefly to make sure the water is flowing correctly, then turn it off again and wait. If it starts leaking again in a few days, it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Let Us Take Care of That Leak
Whether you need to fix a leaky sink faucet or replace all the pipes in your home, expert help from Fowler Plumbing is just a phone call away. Contact us today and let our team put their skills to work on all your plumbing problems.