How to Stop Your Faucet from Leaking: Easy Fixes

In daily life, faucets are one of the common plumbing fixtures. After prolonged use, faucets can inevitably develop leaks. So, what should you do if your faucet is leaking? What are the reasons for faucet leaks? Today, I will discuss everything you need to know about faucet leaks.

What to do if your faucet is leaking

1. Remove the handle and check the faucet components. Use a wrench to take off the nut, being careful not to leave any scratches.

2. Take off the screws that hold the gasket in place and inspect the screws and the cartridge. If there is any damage, replace them with new ones.

3. Replace the old gasket, rewrap the sealing tape, and reinstall everything step by step.

Reasons for faucet leaks

1. Water leak from the aerator

If water is leaking around the aerator, it's usually because the gasket in the aerator has worn out or aged. Generally, faucets have gaskets, and their quality can vary among different brands. In this case, simply replace the gasket. Remove the old gasket, replace it with a new one, and make sure to choose a gasket of the same size.

2. Faucet not shutting off properly

If after replacing the gasket the faucet still leaks, the issue may be with the ceramic disc beneath the gasket. You may need to replace the corresponding ceramic cartridge. If the faucet uses a cartridge-type valve, its stem is made of steel and is sealed with glue to ensure that the faucet will not leak in harsh conditions and can last a long time.

3. Leaks from other areas

If you notice leaks from gaps in the faucet, it could be due to a damaged O-ring. The O-ring is located at the junction of the base and the faucet. If it is damaged, you need to replace the O-ring seal. Additionally, faucet leaks may also stem from damaged sealing tape. After removing the faucet, wrap the threaded area 5-6 times clockwise with sealing tape.

In conclusion, this covers everything about what to do if your faucet is leaking. The cartridge and threaded connection of the faucet are the most likely places to get damaged and leak. When purchasing and installing faucets, be sure to pay close attention to these details.