Leaky Faucets: When to DIY and When to Call for Help

Posted on November 8, 2021

Besides the annoying dripping sound that can drive you crazy, a leaky faucet is also a major water waster. Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a faucet that drips once per second wastes a staggering 3,000 gallons of water per year. This unnecessary and often inconspicuous leakage not only inflates your monthly water bill, it squanders an increasingly precious natural resource. While some simple faucet repairs are DIY-friendly, others require the services of a qualified professional plumber. Here's how to tell what's doable yourself from what's probably not:

  1. Turn off cold or hot water to the appropriate faucet at the individual shutoff valve (typically located under the sink).
  2. Remove the appropriate faucet knob by prying off a cap in the center of the knob and removing the screw that secures the knob.
  3. Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut that holds the valve stem in the valve. The stem may then be rotated to remove it from the valve.
  4. Shine a flashlight into the valve and inspect the valve seat. If it looks clean and smooth with no evidence of roughness or other wear and tear, nor any sign of mineral deposits, replacing washer and O-ring yourself may be sufficient to stop the drip.
  5. Remove the screw securing the washer to the end of the valve. Also remove the rubber O-ring on the valve stem. Get exact replacements at a hardware store or home center.
  6. Install the components on the valve stem, slipping the O-ring into place first, then securing the washer with the screw. Insert the valve stem into the valve and tighten the packing nut. Replace the knob and tighten screw.
  7. Turn on the water at the shutoff valve beneath the sink.

When Not to DIY

If a visual inspection of the valve seat reveals a rough or jagged surface, or accumulation of mineral deposits, contact a professional plumber. He may be able to resurface the valve seat and/or remove mineral deposits. If not, replacement of the fixture is necessary.

Rytech Inc. offers professional water damage and mold remediation services in 28 major markets across 17 states.