How To Fix Dripping Sink

A dripping sink is a common plumbing problem that can be frustrating and wasteful. A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. Fortunately, fixing a dripping sink is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with a few basic tools.

The first step is to identify the source of the leak. The most common source of a dripping sink is a worn-out washer in the faucet. Other possible sources include a loose or damaged O-ring, a cracked faucet seat, or a faulty cartridge. Once you have identified the source of the leak, you can begin to repair it.

Replacing a Worn-Out Washer

If the leak is coming from the faucet handle, it is likely caused by a worn-out washer. Washers are small, rubber discs that create a seal between the faucet stem and the faucet body. Over time, washers can wear out and begin to leak. Replacing a washer is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. First, turn off the water supply to the sink. Then, use a wrench to remove the faucet handle. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to access the washer. Use a screwdriver to remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Be sure to lubricate the new washer with a little bit of petroleum jelly before installing it. Once the new washer is in place, reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on.

Replacing an O-Ring

If the leak is coming from the base of the faucet, it is likely caused by a worn-out O-ring. O-rings are small, rubber rings that create a seal between the faucet body and the faucet spout. Over time, O-rings can wear out and begin to leak. Replacing an O-ring is a bit more difficult than replacing a washer, but it is still a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. First, turn off the water supply to the sink. Then, use a wrench to remove the faucet spout. Once the spout is removed, you will be able to access the O-ring. Use a screwdriver to remove the old O-ring and replace it with a new one. Be sure to lubricate the new O-ring with a little bit of petroleum jelly before installing it. Once the new O-ring is in place, reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on.

Replacing a Cracked Faucet Seat

If the leak is coming from the base of the faucet and you have already replaced the O-ring, it is likely caused by a cracked faucet seat. The faucet seat is a metal or plastic ring that creates a seal between the faucet stem and the faucet body. Over time, the faucet seat can become cracked or damaged, which can cause a leak. Replacing a faucet seat is a more difficult task than replacing a washer or an O-ring, but it is still a task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools.

Replacing a Faulty Cartridge

If the leak is coming from the handle of a single-handle faucet, it is likely caused by a faulty cartridge. The cartridge is a self-contained unit that controls the flow of water in the faucet. Over time, the cartridge can become worn out or damaged, which can cause a leak. Replacing a cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. First, turn off the water supply to the sink. Then, use a wrench to remove the faucet handle. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to access the cartridge. Use a screwdriver to remove the old cartridge and replace it with a new one. Be sure to lubricate the new cartridge with a little bit of petroleum jelly before installing it. Once the new cartridge is in place, reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on.

Fixing a dripping sink is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with a few basic tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily fix your dripping sink and save water and money.