Don’t ignore leaking faucets in your home. All that wasted water adds up and the solution can be a simple DIY.

Faucets are an important part of your home because they dispense water. Therefore, ensuring that they are always in good working condition is important. While there are a number of things that can go wrong with your faucet, dripping faucets are the most common plumbing problems that you can experience and they are the easiest to repair.

Tools you’ll need to repair your leaking faucets

• An adjustable or C wrench

• Flat-head screwdriver

• Replacement washers

• Replacement O-rings

• Penetrating oil

Steps to Repair Leakey Faucets

Step 1: Shut of the Water Supply

Before you apply your screwdriver or wrench to the fixture, ensure that you turn off the water supply, from the knobs over your sink to those located underneath that control water coming into your home.

Step 2: Remove all Decorative and Delicate Parts of the Knobs

You can easily do this by prying with your flat-head screwdriver. Underneath each handle knob, you’ll find the screw that supports the knob to the stem. First, unscrew it and then remove it using the flat-head. You can use the penetrating oil to help loosen it and take the faucet knob off.

Step 3: Loosen the Stuffing Nut

Using your wrench, loosen the stuffing nut to see the stem and remove it. Depending on your faucet, the stem may pop off immediately or you may have to twist it off directly from the valve. Assess the parts you’ve removed for damage.

Step 4: Inspect the O-rings and Washers

If all the removed parts are intact, inspect the washers and O-rings – they may be causing the leak. Replace them and ensure that the replacements are of similar size. You can confirm by checking the seat and determine whether the side is either cone-shaped or if you need a flat washer. Carry your old O-ring to the store to ensure you purchase the right size.

Step 5: Reassemble all the Parts

Ensure that you reassemble everything in order starting with the washer and O-ring, the stem, stuffing nut, screws and knob handle. Turn the handle gently to check whether you’ve licked the leak.

In case you notice that your faucets are still leaking, then the valve seat may be corroded. Other problems can be broken plumbing or various loose parts. If you experience sudden complications, then you may need to contact American Mechanical professional plumber.