Sink Faucet Leaking From Handle

A leaking faucet can be a frustrating problem, especially when it's coming from the handle. Not only is it a waste of water, but it can also damage your sink and countertop. If you're dealing with a leaking faucet handle, there are a few things you can do to fix it yourself.

First, you'll need to identify the type of faucet you have. There are two main types: compression faucets and cartridge faucets. Compression faucets have a washer that seals against a seat when the handle is turned. Cartridge faucets have a cartridge that contains the seals and other components. Once you know what type of faucet you have, you can start troubleshooting the problem.

Compression Faucets

If you have a compression faucet, the leak is most likely coming from the washer. To replace the washer, you'll need to:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the handle by unscrewing the screw that holds it in place.
Use a wrench to remove the packing nut.
Remove the old washer and replace it with a new one.
Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

If the leak is still coming from the handle, it's possible that the seat is damaged. To replace the seat, you'll need to:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the handle and packing nut.
Use a seat wrench to remove the old seat.
Apply a thin layer of plumber's grease to the new seat and install it in place.
Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

Cartridge Faucets

If you have a cartridge faucet, the leak is most likely coming from the cartridge. To replace the cartridge, you'll need to:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the handle by pulling it straight up.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cartridge in place.
Pull the old cartridge out of the faucet and insert the new cartridge.
Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

If the leak is still coming from the handle, it's possible that the O-rings are damaged. To replace the O-rings, you'll need to:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
Remove the handle and cartridge.
Use a small screwdriver to remove the old O-rings.
Apply a thin layer of plumber's grease to the new O-rings and install them in place.
Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.

If you're not comfortable replacing the washer, seat, or cartridge yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you. However, if you're handy and have the right tools, you should be able to fix a leaking faucet handle yourself in about 30 minutes.