If you want to steer away from having to call a plumber and face the absurdly high fees they charge you with, you must learn how to fix a leaky faucet. Aside from that, you really wouldn't want to endure the annoying dripping sounds a leaky faucet makes, would you? By learning how to repair a leaky faucet, you will never have to call a plumber again. Go through these easy to understand and very simple steps and you'll be a faucet expert in no time.



Learning how to fix a leaky faucet is actually very easy, as long as you are equipped with the right tools and materials. Basically, all you need is a new washer (preferably one that is suited to the faucet you have at home), some rags, a wrench, and a screwdriver (flathead and Philipps).

There are some things you should do before you start pulling your faucet apart. First, you should shut off the main water supply by shutting off the control valve. This can be found somewhere along the pipes under the sink. Turn the level or handle of the valve counter clockwise to switch it off.

Other than that, you also have to plug up the drain with the use of rags. By doing so, you are preventing small parts like washer and screws to go down the drain.

Once you have accomplished that, you can start with the process of fixing the leaky faucet. But be informed that these steps can be applied only to conventional faucets. Most unconventional faucets differ from one another depending on type and brand and you might need specific repair kits for it.

1. Just below the handle, where the faucet stem is attached to the water pipe, is a nut. Use a wrench to twist the nut counterclockwise to remove it. Turn the handle counterclockwise until you are able to remove it completely.

2. Once you have detached the handle, you will see a rubber-like washer that is held down by a screw. This washer is probably very old and falling down to pieces, which could be the reason why your faucet is leaking in the first place. Remove the old washer by unscrewing it, and then install the new washer. Remember that the new washer's size should just be similar to that of the old washer. Tighten the screws on the new washer to secure it in place.

3. Put everything back into place. Reinstall the faucet handle (clockwise, this time), and tighten the stem nut back to its original position.

4. After that, you can do the checking. Turn the water supply on and check whether the faucet still leaks. If it still leaks, you should probably tighten the screws more. Or, it could be that the faucet itself is defective, and not the washer. And if you think you really need it, seek professional help. Admit defeat and call a plumber.

And there they are - easy to follow and simple steps that will guide you about how to fix a leaky faucet. Now you can do it by yourself! There's no need for you to call a plumber, or even your handy neighbor to help you around a leaky faucet. By doing it yourself, you free yourself from irritating dripping sounds, nasty sink stains brought upon by long-standing drips, and water wastage due to constant dripping. Put these steps close to your heart and you will never be in distress again.