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A leaking faucet is not just annoying, it leads to many serious problems like mold, wood rot, and water damage. So, why not learn how to fix a leaking faucet for good. It only takes ten minutes and requires no patching or sealing.

Your faucet is leaking because the internal parts are worn out. The cartridge inside the faucet that controls the water temperature and the rate of flow is made of two, flat ceramic discs, each well machined and water tight, but if sand or dirt gets in there and scratches the discs, which causes a small leak.

Water slips through the cartridge and into the spout where it drips constantly. To repair your leaking faucet, just remove the cartridge and replace it with a new one.

You will need…

  • Allen wrench
  • Wrench or large pliers
  • Replacement faucet cartridge

How to fix a leaking faucet – 6 step DIY guide

  1. Shut the two water valves underneath your sink.
  2. Remove the set screw along the base of the leaking faucet’s handle with an Allen wrench.
  3. Pull up on the handle and slide it off the leaking faucet.
  4. Remove the parts under the handle this includes either a trim sleeve, handle adapter, bonnet or retaining nut (every faucet has different parts) with a wrench or pair of large pliers.
  5. Grip the top of the faucet cartridge with pliers and slide it out of the faucet. Replace the leaking faucet cartridge with a new cartridge available through your manufacturer.
  6. Re-install the parts you removed to re-build the faucet, and turn the water back on.