Barbara K How-To Coach

Don't Call a Plumber

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

By BARBARA K




Step One: What You Need
You'll need a towel, both a flat-head and a Phillips-head screwdriver, slip joint pliers and a new washer or O-ring like the one that needs to be replaced.


Step Two: Prepping the Sink
First, open both faucets. Then shut off the water by tightening the valves under the sink. Let the pipes empty completely. Then place a towel in the sink to protect it.


Step Three: Opening the Handle
If there's a cap on the faucet handle, gently pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the handle in place.


Then remove the handle. Using your wrench or pliers, loosen the nut at the base of the stem. Once you have it off, remove the stem.


Step Four: Replacing the Washer
Faucets will either have an O-ring or a washer like the one here. The washer is a little disc screwed to the bottom of the stem.


If your washer or O-ring is cracked or brittle, replace it. Be sure to take the old one with you to the hardware store so you can easily find a matching one.


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    Step Five: Putting It Back Together
    Clean any corrosion off the stem before putting the handle back on. Then reassemble the faucet by reversing the previous instructions. Remove the towel and turn the valves under the sink back on.


    Extra Hint:
    Before you turn off the water, check whether the water is leaking from the tap or the handle. If it is leaking from the tap, you'll need to replace the washer. If it is leaking from the handle, you'll need to replace the faucet stem or O-ring.



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