Getting stuck with a faucet that won’t stop leaking is understandably annoying. Not only does it make a mess, but you’re also left worrying that the leak will get worse. That’s why we put together a list of the 10 best ways to stop a leaking faucet.
The best way to stop a leaking faucet is to fix the alignment by adjusting the washer. It also helps to tighten the stem by adjusting the packing nut and washers. The lack may be due to debris and mineral accumulation, which you can remove with a soft brush and white vinegar.
It’s worth replacing your faucet if it’s over 20 years old and regularly leaks. Follow along as we explore 10 easy ways to stop a leaking faucet.
What to Do When Your Faucet is Leaking
1. Fix the Alignment
Faucets are prone to leaks when they become misaligned. Unfortunately, due to heavy use, your faucet will likely shift in alignment over time. In that case, you can adjust the washer to fix alignment and stop the leak.
First, carefully unscrew the faucet cap. Next, slowly adjust the washer and pay attention to its position within the seat. Go slowly and stop once everything is aligned, then put the faucet cap back on to fix the leak and alignment.
2. Install a Pressure-Regulating Valve
Water pressure must be perfect, or you may experience issues like leaks and corrosion if it’s low. Excess water pressure can cause the joints and fittings to leak. It’s hard to ensure the water pressure level is perfect without a pressure regulating valve.
Pressure-regulating valves ensure the water pressure stays within the recommended range. That way, you won’t have to manually adjust the water pressure. After all, there isn’t much the average homeowner can do about pressure fluctuations if the supply line is the culprit.
3. Tighten the Stem
The stem is one of the most important parts of a faucet, but it’s also sometimes the culprit behind leaks. That’s because it’s responsible for how much water comes out of the faucet when you run it. The stem features several parts, such as the washers and the packing nut.
Damage can occur if you accidentally overtighten the packing nut. That can explain why your faucet is leaking, and it’s an easy problem to fix. Carefully loosen the packing nut until the faucet stem stops leaking water.
Go slowly as this takes some trial and error before the leak stops. Ideally, the nut should be “hand tight” by the time you’re done.
4. Check for Corrosion
Plumbing fixtures are prone to corrosion over time due to the prolonged moisture exposure. Modern faucets are built to last, but once corrosion shows up, leaks often come along with it. Luckily, it’s easy to tell that your faucet is corroded if you inspect it upon discovering a leak.
You can remove corrosion from your faucet with a household mixture of water and white vinegar. Don’t let the mixture sit longer than a few minutes or you may discolor the faucet. Lemon juice is another great option, but you must thoroughly wash the faucet with water afterward.
In extreme cases, you can use products like CLR and Star Brite Corrosion Buster. That may be necessary if your faucet has hard water stains and corrosion.
5. Remove Blockages
Is there a big, wet mess each time you run your faucet? If so, it could be because your faucet is clogged with debris and mineral deposits due to hard water. That can explain why water drips and leaks in several directions when you run your faucet.
You can easily remove this debris if you soak and scrub your faucet with white vinegar. It also helps to soak a soft brush with warm water and mild dish soap, scrub your faucet, and rinse it with water. You may need to call for professional help if the blockage is deep within the pipe.
6. Install a New Gasket
Your faucet’s gasket is essential to creating a seal and preventing leaks. The gasket should be one of the first things you check if your faucet is leaking. It sits between the sink base and faucet handle, and it’s easy to tell when it’s worn out.
The gasket will appear brittle and dirty or covered with a mineral buildup once it’s gone bad. A worn gasket can cause the faucet to drip when it’s turned off. All you must do is unscrew the old gasket and install a new one to fix the problem.
7. Patch Cracks
Cracks cause leaks, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you must replace your faucet. You can patch minor faucet cracks with a plumber’s putty product. It is typically made of a mixture of clay and chemicals like petroleum that helps create a seal to stop leaks.
Make sure to carefully read the instructions on the product you buy. Otherwise, you may not give the putty enough time to dry and form a seal.
8. Replace the Shut-Off Valve
Is there a leak in the cabinet beneath your sink? If so, that may be because you have a faulty shut-off valve. Shutt-off valves are prone to wear and tear from heavy use and corrosion that causes inconvenient leaks.
Replace your shut-off valve if it’s leaking and is 20 years old or older. In that case, there’s not much you can do to fix it if it’s that old, and fixes will be temporary.
9. Inspect the Pipes Below Your Sink
Unfortunately, your leaking faucet may be related to a problem with the pipes below the sink. In that case, you may find puddles of water on the floor in front of the sink. This is a tough problem to fix, so it’s worth getting help from professional plumbers.
10. Replace Your Faucet
Depending on your faucet’s age and condition, you may need to replace it. Faucets are more prone to leaks due to wear and tear or corrosion after 15-20 years or longer. Shower faucets often go bad sooner in as little as 10-15 years.
Replace your leaking faucet if it has extensive cracking and corrosion.
Don’t Wait to Fix Your Leaking Faucet
Faucet leaks don’t get better with time, and they can eventually cause expensive water damage. At Queen B Plumbing, we work hard to quickly diagnose and repair leaks. Some leaks are annoying while others can cause serious water damage. Don’t wait to call Queen B Plumbing at (908) 633-1333 if you notice your faucet leaking.
