How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 5 Easy Steps

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How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 5 Easy Steps

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Melbourne Plumber
How to fix a leaky faucet
Traditional silver tap dripping. Broken faucet in the tub dripping water. Leaking plumbing. Wasteful water consumption. the concept of saving water.

Sick of the drip drip drip sound coming from your sink? It’s more than just annoying. it can be costly over time. A leaky faucet over many months’ time can cause a spike in your water bill.

Luckily, a leaky faucet can usually be fixed within a few short steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five simple steps to stop that drip for good. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Tools You’ll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your faucet)
  • Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridge (specific to your faucet type)
  • Cleaning cloth or sponge
  • White vinegar (for cleaning buildup)
  • Plumber’s grease (optional)

Step 1: You will want to turn off the water supply for the faucet in question
You will want to do this to avoid a mishap where water can spray all over your bathroom or kitchen.

Step 2: Use a screwdriver to pry off the faucet handle
Some handles are tricky—wiggle carefully to avoid breaking anything. If it’s stuck, a bit of penetrating oil can help loosen it.

Step 3: Inspect and replace damaged or worn components
This includes any grommets, rings, or if the faucet is a cartridge or ceramic-disc faucet, remove the cartridge and inspect it. If there is any sign of damage, then you will need to replace it.

Step 4: Clean and reassemble
Make sure all parts are well cleaned or brand new. While it’s apart, soak the faucet components in white vinegar to remove mineral buildup. Scrub gently with a cloth or old toothbrush. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease to new washers or O-rings for a better seal. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order, ensuring everything is snug but not overtightened.

Step 5: Test Your Work
Turn the water supply back on and slowly open the faucet. Check for leaks. If it’s still dripping, tighten connections or double-check that you replaced the right part. Run both hot and cold water to confirm everything’s working smoothly. Congrats—you’ve just fixed your faucet!

If you have completed these steps and are still seeing a leak then you may want to call a professional plumber in Melbourne, Florida. We can do the necessary tests to find the exact issue and have it fixed in no time.

 

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