Sink Faucet Leaking At Base

A leaky sink faucet is a common plumbing problem that can waste water and energy. If you have a sink faucet that is leaking at the base, there are a few things you can do to fix it. In this article, we will discuss the causes of a leaky sink faucet at the base and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

Causes of a Leaky Sink Faucet at the Base

There are several different things that can cause a sink faucet to leak at the base. The most common causes include:

Worn-out washer: The washer is a small, rubber or plastic ring that seals the joint between the faucet body and the handle. Over time, the washer can become worn or damaged, which can cause water to leak from the base of the faucet.
Loose packing nut: The packing nut is a nut that holds the faucet handle in place. If the packing nut is loose, it can allow water to leak from around the base of the handle.
Cracked faucet body: In some cases, the faucet body itself can crack. This can cause water to leak from the base of the faucet.

How to Fix a Leaky Sink Faucet at the Base

If you have a sink faucet that is leaking at the base, you can follow these steps to fix it:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet. To do this, you will need to find the water shut-off valves under the sink. Once you have found the valves, turn them clockwise to turn off the water.
Remove the faucet handle. To do this, you will need to use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screw that is holding the handle in place. Once the screw is removed, you can pull the handle off of the faucet.
Replace the washer. The washer is a small, rubber or plastic ring that seals the joint between the faucet body and the handle. To replace the washer, simply remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new washer is the same size and shape as the old one.
Tighten the packing nut. The packing nut is a nut that holds the faucet handle in place. To tighten the packing nut, simply use a wrench to turn it clockwise. Do not overtighten the packing nut, as this can damage the faucet.
Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks. Once you have tightened the packing nut, turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check for leaks around the base of the faucet. If there are no leaks, then you have successfully fixed the faucet.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for fixing a leaky sink faucet at the base:

If you are not comfortable fixing the faucet yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
If the faucet is still leaking after you have tried the steps above, the faucet body may be cracked. In this case, you will need to replace the entire faucet.
To prevent future leaks, it is a good idea to regularly inspect your sink faucets for any signs of wear or damage.