A leaky bathroom faucet can really drive you up the wall—not to mention it can waste a lot of water, costing you a pretty penny in the long run. Thankfully, there are manageable steps you can take to address most leaks.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water and Take Off the Handles

Before you start working on the faucet, make sure to turn off the water. This will prevent any unexpected splashes while you’re trying to fix the leak. Use a flat head screwdriver to gently pop off the screw covers on the handles. Take care not to scratch any metal or break any plastic components. You’ll find a screw under each handle; unscrew and remove them.

Step 2: Take Out the Faucet and Investigate

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nut on the tap. After that, you’ll expose the stem. In compression faucets, the stem usually sits on a rubber o-ring. If you notice the leak is coming from this area, it’s time to replace that o-ring. Don’t forget that there are similar o-rings on the handle stems; if the leak is from the handles, take those out and replace the o-rings there too.

Step 3: Handling a Ball Faucet

Ball faucets have a lot of intricate parts, making leaks a bit trickier to pinpoint. Instead of messing around with the individual components, it might be easier and more economical to grab a replacement kit. Just follow the installation instructions for your specific kit. Keep in mind, this kit is to replace worn parts like washers and caps, not the entire faucet.

Step 4: Dealing with Cartridge Faucets

Leak issues with cartridge faucets are often linked to worn out o-rings too. Remove the screw cover and the screw underneath, then take out the retaining clip and pull the cartridge out as far as it will go. Don’t forget to remove the spout and replace the rubber o-rings.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your efforts don’t resolve the leak, check where the water seems to be coming from and replace any visible washers, screws, or seals. Make sure to clean the cylinders and connections thoroughly to eliminate any debris. Ensure that all connections are securely tightened. If the leak persists despite your fixes, it may be best to consult a professional plumber. The underlying issue could be more serious than it appears, and you don’t want to make it worse by trying to fix it without expert advice.