How To Fix A Faucet That Won’T Turn Off

How to Fix a Faucet That Won’t Turn Off: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever experienced the frustration of a faucet that just won’t turn off, dripping water incessantly? It’s a common household problem that can waste water and increase your utility bills. But don’t despair, fixing a leaky faucet is often a quick and easy task that you can tackle yourself with the right tools and know-how. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in repairing a faucet that won’t turn off, providing expert tips and advice to ensure a successful fix.

Before we delve into the repair process, it’s important to identify the type of faucet you have. The most common types include compression faucets, cartridge faucets, and disk faucets. Each type has its own unique mechanism for controlling water flow, so it’s crucial to determine which type you’re dealing with before proceeding.

Diagnosing the Problem

Once you’ve identified the type of faucet, it’s time to diagnose the problem. There are two main reasons why a faucet might not turn off:

1. Worn-out washer or O-ring: Over time, the washer or O-ring that creates a seal between the stem and the body of the faucet can become worn or damaged, allowing water to leak through.
2. Corroded or damaged stem: The stem is the part of the faucet that moves up and down to control water flow. If the stem is corroded or damaged, it may not be able to fully close, resulting in a leaky faucet.

Repairing a Compression Faucet

Compression faucets are characterized by a handle that moves up and down. To repair a compression faucet that won’t turn off, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them off to stop the water flow.
2. Remove the handle: Unscrew the screw that holds the handle in place and lift the handle off.
3. Replace the washer: Behind the handle, you’ll find a washer. Remove the old washer and replace it with a new one of the same size and type.
4. Reassemble the faucet: Place the new washer on the stem and screw the handle back in place. Tighten the screw securely.
5. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks: Turn on the shut-off valves to restore water flow and check if the faucet is still leaking.

Repairing a Cartridge Faucet

Cartridge faucets have a single handle that moves both up and down and side to side. To repair a cartridge faucet that won’t turn off:

1. Turn off the water supply: Follow step 1 from the previous section.
2. Remove the handle: Pull up on the handle to remove it.
3. Unscrew the cartridge: Using a cartridge puller or a pair of pliers, unscrew the cartridge from the body of the faucet.
4. Replace the cartridge: Insert a new cartridge into the body of the faucet and tighten it in place.
5. Reassemble the faucet: Replace the handle and turn on the water supply to check for leaks.

Repairing a Disk Faucet

Disk faucets have a handle that moves side to side. To repair a disk faucet that won’t turn off:

1. Turn off the water supply: As in previous sections.
2. Remove the handle: Pull up on the handle to remove it.
3. Remove the cartridge: Use a wrench or pliers to remove the cartridge from the body of the faucet.
4. Replace the cartridge: Insert a new cartridge and tighten it in place.
5. Reassemble the faucet: Replace the handle and turn on the water supply to check for leaks.

Expert Tips and Advice

• Use the right tools: The right tools can make the job easier and safer. For most faucet repairs, you’ll need a screwdriver, a wrench or pliers, and a cartridge puller if necessary.
• Replace old washers and O-rings regularly: Even if your faucet isn’t leaking, it’s a good idea to replace the washers and O-rings every few years to prevent future leaks.
• Don’t overtighten: When tightening screws or nuts, avoid overtightening as this can damage the faucet.
• If you’re not comfortable, call a plumber: If you’re not confident in your DIY skills or if the leak is severe, it’s best to call a qualified plumber to fix the faucet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my faucet dripping?

A: A dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring. As these components age, they can become damaged or lose their ability to create a seal, allowing water to leak through.

Q: Can I fix a leaking faucet without replacing parts?

A: Sometimes, a leaking faucet can be fixed by simply tightening the packing nut around the stem. However, if the washer or O-ring is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Q: How often should I replace faucet washers?

A: Faucet washers should be replaced every few years, or sooner if you notice any leaks. Replacing washers is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent future leaks.

Conclusion

Fixing a faucet that won’t turn off can be a quick and easy task with the right tools and know-how. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully repair most common faucet leaks without the need for professional help. Whether you’re dealing with a compression faucet, cartridge faucet, or disk faucet, the process is generally the same. By addressing the issue promptly and following the tips provided, you can restore your faucet to proper working order and avoid wasting water.