While bothersome, a leaky faucet is a quick fix.
A leaky bathroom faucet is a nuisance. The constant dripping is not only agitating but damaging. It leaves hard-water stains on your porcelain sink or tub and leads to water damage on the counter and cabinets below if the water splashes from the sink. This is a common household repair and only takes about an hour to complete. Most faucets use a cartridge valve that's removed and replaced.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water to the faucet. Close the sink drain to catch dropped screws and nuts.
2. Search for the faucet handle screw. This is either on the side of the faucet handle or under the decorative cap. Pry off the cap with a flat-head screwdriver and the screw is underneath. Remove this screw with an Allen wrench. Pull the handle up and off the faucet.
3. Remove the packing nut around the stem of the faucet just above the base with a hexagonal wrench.
4. Slide the cartridge out. Pry out the O-ring and seat washers by inserting the end of the Allen wrench into the stem area. They will spring out of place.
5. Place new seat washers and a new O-ring into the faucet. Place a new faucet stem (made for your faucet) inside the faucet. Rethread the packing nut. Tighten it with a hexagonal wrench and slide the faucet handles back on.
6. Thread the handle screw into the faucet handle and tighten it with the Allen wrench.
7. Turn the water back on. Test the faucet.
Tags: Allen wrench, faucet handle, handle screw, hexagonal wrench, into faucet