This protects it from scratches from falling tools and prevents small parts from being dropped down the drain. Even tiny drips and leaks can lead to serious water waste over time. If you have trouble doing so or would rather not risk it yourself, leave it to the pros. To avoid wasting water and money, it’s helpful to know how to fix a leaky compression faucet, which is the most common type of faucet used in homes. Typically, replacing the washer is what is needed to stop a leak in this type of plumbing fixture. 11 Fixing your leaky faucet is both economical and eco-friendly. Reinstall the handle and cap. If you need replacement parts, take the old part with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct size and component. Compression faucets are the original faucets that have existed since indoor plumbing came into style. Use a small slotted screwdriver or utility knife to pry off the decorative cap on the handle, exposing the attachment screws. Also, be sure to coat the new washers with non-toxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease. Repairing a Leaky Compression Faucet After preparing and identifying the type of faucet, the next step is to take action. Replace the new or repaired stem valve in the faucet with the new rubber washer on top. Also, mineral deposits from your water can be an issue. Compression faucets are easy to identify from other faucet types because they have separate hot and cold handles. How To Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet: Most leaky compression faucets need new seat washers. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle screw, then pull off the handle. And finally, the most popular culprit is worn o-rings and seals. Compression is the oldest type of faucet and usually has two handles—one for hot and one for cold. Acting quickly to repair a dripping faucet saves you dollars on the water bill. Save the damaged washer to help you purchase the correct size. Step 1: Shut off the water. These handles are twisted open to allow water to flow and tightened down in order to close off water supply. Turn on the water supply, and check the faucet for leaks. You should be able to see the exposed stem assembly. The faucet may have corrosion causing it to leak. If you’re unable to resolve the leak or are not comfortable performing the steps yourself, please give us a call – our plumbers will be happy to address this issue for you. You will replace them in the opposite order that you removed them. Our plumbers know how to fix a leaky compression faucet and troubleshoot common problems. Most of the older, two-handled faucets have stems that move up and down as the handle is turned. How to Fix a Leaky Compression Faucet. Feel for rough patches or corrosion. It should pop off easily. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle screw, then pull off the handle. This old model of faucet is mostly found in older homes. If you have kept each piece in order, it is a simple matter to replace the O-rings and washers in order and tightening the packing nut. Our plumbers know how to fix a leaky compression faucet and troubleshoot common problems. If any damage is found, replace the entire stem valve. If it is a compression faucet, remove the coverings and screws on the hot and cold water sides. Unscrew the packing nut that sits below the handle with a crescent wrench. To fix a leaky faucet you need to change the washer, O-ring, or the gasket of the valve stem. Loosen the handle stem from the faucet body using a wrench. Each kind of faucet proceeds its job in different ways. Follow these steps to repair a leaky compression faucet: Fixing a leaky faucet can be tricky. If you have water leaking from the spout of a compression faucet you’ll need to replace a washer or a corroded valve seat. Gradually it comes from the central spout. Pry the decorative cap on top of the faucet handle off with a thin knife blade or utility knife. Let’s learn them step by step: Fixing a Compression Faucet | 5 Steps. To fix a leaky compression faucet, first take off the handle. With your finger, feel along its surface for pits or rough spots. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet. If the leak doesn’t stop after the first valve is turned off, it’s the other line that’s leaking. It is vital to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet to avoid water loss. Unfortunately, compression faucets are more prone to leaks than other types of faucets – they also require more maintenance. The hardest part about changing a washer in a leaking compression faucet is finding the right replacement washer. Run your finger inside the faucet seat, where the valve stem was removed. Diane Watkins has been writing since 1984, with experience in newspaper, newsletter and Web content. Alternately, you can usually find a package of the most common sizes available in the plumbing department. Use a small slotted screwdriver or utility knife to pry off the decorative cap on the handle, exposing the attachment screws. Taps with a compression disc are known as compression taps and have survived for a long time. Even if the washer appears to be undamaged, it is a simple matter to replace it while the faucet is open. These faucets are the type which use a washer that when compressed against a seat in the faucet body (by tightening the faucet handle) shuts off the flow of water. Replace the retaining nut and tighten it with pliers. HOW TO FIX A LEAKY FAUCET COMPRESSION WASHERLESS Repairing Washerless Faucets Washerless faucets have O-rings instead of washers that provide a seal, and a cartridge, ball, or disc mecha-nism that controls the water flow. You need to close both valves. If your faucet has been damaged beyond repair, we can install a new one in no time. Remove mineral deposits and corrosion with a brush. Most leaky compression faucets usually need new washers, so unscrew the rubber washer from the bottom end of the stem and make the replacement. Fixing a leaky faucet can be tricky. Then, remove the now-exposed nut with a wrench and remove the stem. Instructions. A bad O-ring can also be the culprit behind leaks. If you find pitting, corrosion or other damage on the stem valve, replace the entire valve. Take off the aerator and damage, check out. She has taken graduate courses in biochemistry and education. Ball Faucet has a ball to control the water from the center of water flow. You use a washer and the compression is achieved by tightening the faucet handle. She writes two electronic newsletters and has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Clemson University. Check the O-ring for damage, and replace it if necessary with an O-ring of matching size, coating it with plumber’s grease. Run the hot water long enough to warm up the stream. How to fix a leaky compression faucet? After 1 hour, gently twist the aerator with a towel and a pair of … When the washer goes bad, water flow isn’t stopped, so the faucet will leak. Remove the decorative handle cap so the attachment screws are exposed. Before working on your faucet, turn off the water at the shut off valves or the main shut off, close the drain so you won't lose small parts and put a towel in the sink to prevent damage from dropped parts or tools. Inspect the parts for pitting and corrosion and for mineral deposits. Turn the faucet handles to “ON” to release any remaining water. You should be able to turn off the supply at a nearby shutoff, but if your house is not equipped with shutoffs for individual fixtures, you'll have to go to the main shutoff and turn off the entire water supply to your home. KS Services LLC. 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