How to fix a dripping faucet & get rid of the annoying sounds?
The steady dripping from a leaky faucet is annoying & may keep you awake at night too! It is a constant reminder of water getting wasted. Not only this, the leaked water can easily stain sink surfaces, corrode drains, and strain plumbing lines as well. This problem may appear daunting, but the solution is relatively easy & swift. Learn how to fix a dripping faucet without hassle & get rid of the drip, drip, dripping sounds.
Things you will need
Wrench
Screwdriver
WD-40® Silicone Lubricant
WD-40® Multi-use Product
O-Rings
Step 1
Turn off the water supply
Before you begin to fix your dripping faucet, the first step is to turn off the water supply. You can either close the fixture valves found below your sink or turn off the main water supply for the house. Do not forget to turn the faucet on to ensure that water is off, or your bathroom will get flooded once you begin the task ahead.
Step 2
Remove the Faucet handles
Before you identify the cause of the leakage, you will need to remove the faucet handles. The faucet handles are attached to the sink by screws. Caps on top of the handles keep these screws hidden. First, you will need a flathead screwdriver to remove the caps, revealing the screws. Then unscrew these, using a screwdriver that aligns with the head of the screw properly, and pull the handles off.
Step 3
Detach the inner valve stem
Once you remove the faucet handles, you will see the inner valve stem or cartridge. Before you remove it, check whether the valve stem is screwed or fixed with a nut, or you can pull it straight out.
Inside the valve, you will find O-Rings & washers in the valve seat. Remove them as well.
Step 4
Identify the cause of the leak
Now, identify the cause of the leak to fix the problem.
There are four common causes behind a leaky faucet:
- A DAMAGED CARTRIDGE: The cartridge or valve that controls the water flow into the faucet spout might be damaged.
- BROKEN WASHERS: Washers are made of rubber or plastic and used in faucet handles to seal them and prevent leakage.
- Friction & mineral deposits dry up the washers & cause them to crack & break down. It results in water seeping through and causing the faucet to leak.
- MALFUNCTIONING O-RING: An O-ring is a small disc found at the bottom of the valve seat. It holds the faucet handle in place. With time, these rubber O-Rings become loose or worn out and lead to a dripping faucet.
- DETERIORATED VALVE SEAT: The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout. When sediment accumulates on the valve seat, it causes corrosion and causes the faucet to leak.
Analyze these parts carefully. Now, identify which part you need to replace or repair to stop the leakage.
Step 5
Replace or Repair
After identifying which part you need to replace & which one you need to repair, proceed accordingly.
- To remove any gunky residue and mineral deposits, use WD-40 Multi-use Product to clear it out. Spray on the affected area and use an old toothbrush to scrub it off. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the surface.
- While you’re getting replacements for damaged parts, try to get the same part from the hardware store.
- To prevent the washers & O-Rings from getting worn, spray some WD-40 Specialist Silicone Spray. It will keep these parts lubricated and prevent them from cracking & wearing out.
Step 6
Reassemble the faucet parts
Reassemble the parts in the order that you removed them. Turn the water supply on and check for any leaks.
Conclusion
Follow this detailed guide and get rid of the dripping faucet once and for all. WD-40 offers products that help you solve all these problems DIY style.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
Related How Tos
Contact Us
© 2025 WD-40 Company.
All Rights Reserved