How to Fix a Dripping Single-Handle Faucet

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Fix a Dripping Single-Handle Faucet

A dripping faucet can be a minor annoyance or a major headache, depending on how often it drips and how loud it is. But even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water over time, and it can also lead to mold and other problems. Fortunately, fixing a dripping faucet is usually a simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to fix a dripping single-handle faucet. We’ll cover everything from identifying the problem to replacing the faucet parts. So whether you’re a plumbing novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll be able to fix your dripping faucet in no time.

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Loosen the screw that holds the handle in place.
3 Remove the handle.
4 Inspect the cartridge.
5 Replace the cartridge if necessary.
6 Reassemble the faucet.
7 Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How to Fix a Dripping Single-Handle Faucet

A dripping faucet can be a major annoyance, and it can also waste a lot of water. If you have a single-handle faucet that is dripping, there are a few things you can do to fix it.

1. Identifying the Cause of the Drip

The first step to fixing a dripping faucet is to identify the cause of the drip. There are a few different things that can cause a faucet to drip, including:

  • A worn-out washer
  • A loose cartridge
  • A clogged aerator

To determine the cause of the drip, you will need to take a close look at the faucet. Here are a few things to look for:

  • If the drip is coming from the base of the faucet, it is likely caused by a worn-out washer.
  • If the drip is coming from the spout, it is likely caused by a loose cartridge or a clogged aerator.

2. Turning Off the Water Supply

Before you can fix the faucet, you will need to turn off the water supply. This will prevent any further damage to the faucet and will make it easier to work on.

To turn off the water supply, you will need to find the shut-off valve. This is usually located near the faucet, but it may be in a different location depending on your plumbing system.

Once you have found the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to turn off the water supply.

3. Replacing the Washer

If the drip is coming from the base of the faucet, it is likely caused by a worn-out washer. To fix this, you will need to remove the old washer and replace it with a new one.

To remove the old washer, you will need to unscrew the faucet handle. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to access the washer.

The washer is a small, round disk that is located between the faucet stem and the faucet body. To remove the washer, you will need to use a small flathead screwdriver to pry it out of place.

Once the old washer is removed, you can install the new washer. The new washer should be a snug fit between the faucet stem and the faucet body.

Once the new washer is installed, you can replace the faucet handle and turn on the water supply.

4. Replacing the Cartridge

If the drip is coming from the spout, it is likely caused by a loose cartridge or a clogged aerator. To fix this, you will need to remove the cartridge and clean or replace it.

To remove the cartridge, you will need to unscrew the faucet handle. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to access the cartridge.

The cartridge is a small, cylindrical device that is located inside the faucet body. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a small flathead screwdriver to pry it out of place.

Once the cartridge is removed, you can inspect it for damage. If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it.

If the cartridge is not damaged, you can clean it by soaking it in a vinegar and water solution. Once the cartridge is clean, you can dry it off and reinstall it.

Once the cartridge is reinstalled, you can replace the faucet handle and turn on the water supply.

5. Cleaning the Aerator

If the drip is coming from the spout, it is also possible that the aerator is clogged. The aerator is a small, perforated device that is located at the end of the spout. It helps to mix air with the water, which creates a more gentle stream of water.

If the aerator is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water and cause it to drip. To clean the aerator, you will need to remove it from the spout.

To remove the aerator, you will need to use a small flathead screwdriver to unscrew it. Once the aerator is removed, you can clean it by soaking it in a vinegar and water solution. Once the aerator is clean, you can dry it off and reinstall it.

Once the aerator is reinstalled, you can turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

By following these steps, you can easily fix a dripping single-handle faucet. If you are not comfortable working on plumbing, you can always call a professional plumber to help you.

3. Removing the Faucet Handle

To remove the faucet handle, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
3. Pry the handle off of the faucet body.

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

To turn off the water supply to the faucet, you will need to find the shut-off valve. This is usually located near the faucet, on the wall or under the sink. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.

Remove the screws that hold the handle in place.

The screws that hold the handle in place are usually located on the back of the handle. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.

Pry the handle off of the faucet body.

Once the screws are removed, you can pry the handle off of the faucet body. Use a flathead screwdriver or a pry bar to gently pry the handle off. Be careful not to damage the faucet body.

4. Replacing the O-Ring or Cartridge

To replace the O-ring or cartridge, you will need to:

1. Remove the faucet handle.
2. Remove the old O-ring or cartridge.
3. Install the new O-ring or cartridge.
4. Reattach the faucet handle.

Remove the faucet handle.

To remove the faucet handle, follow the steps in the previous section.

Remove the old O-ring or cartridge.

The O-ring or cartridge is located inside the faucet body. To remove it, you will need to:

1. Locate the O-ring or cartridge.
2. Use a pair of pliers to grip the O-ring or cartridge and gently pull it out of the faucet body.

Install the new O-ring or cartridge.

To install the new O-ring or cartridge, follow these steps:

1. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-ring or cartridge.
2. Insert the O-ring or cartridge into the faucet body.
3. Use a pair of pliers to gently press the O-ring or cartridge into place.

Reattach the faucet handle.

To reattach the faucet handle, follow the steps in the previous section.

By following these steps, you can easily fix a dripping faucet. If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can always call a professional plumber to help you.

Q: How do I identify the cause of a dripping faucet?
A: There are a few common causes of a dripping faucet, including:

  • A worn-out washer. The washer is a small, rubber disk that sits between the faucet stem and the faucet body. Over time, the washer can wear out and become thin, which allows water to leak out.
  • A loose faucet stem. The faucet stem is the part of the faucet that you turn to control the flow of water. If the faucet stem is loose, it can allow water to leak out.
  • A clogged faucet cartridge. The faucet cartridge is a small, plastic or metal cylinder that contains the faucet’s internal components. If the cartridge becomes clogged with mineral deposits, it can restrict the flow of water and cause it to drip.

Q: How do I fix a dripping faucet with a worn-out washer?
A: To fix a dripping faucet with a worn-out washer, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet stem.
4. Replace the washer.
5. Reassemble the faucet.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Q: How do I fix a dripping faucet with a loose faucet stem?
A: To fix a dripping faucet with a loose faucet stem, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Tighten the faucet stem.
4. Reassemble the faucet.
5. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Q: How do I fix a dripping faucet with a clogged faucet cartridge?
A: To fix a dripping faucet with a clogged faucet cartridge, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Remove the faucet cartridge.
4. Clean the faucet cartridge.
5. Reassemble the faucet.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Q: What are some other tips for preventing faucet drips?
A: Here are some other tips for preventing faucet drips:

  • Turn off the water when you’re not using the faucet. This will help to prevent the washer from wearing out.
  • Lubricate the faucet stem regularly. This will help to keep the stem from sticking and causing a leak.
  • Inspect the faucet for leaks regularly. This will help you to catch a leak early on and fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
  • Replace worn-out washers and faucet cartridges as soon as possible. This will help to prevent further leaks.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your faucets from dripping and save money on water.

In this article, we have discussed how to fix a dripping faucet single-handle. We have covered the different causes of a dripping faucet, as well as the steps involved in diagnosing and repairing the problem. We have also provided tips on how to prevent future dripping faucets.

We hope that this article has been helpful in teaching you how to fix a dripping faucet single-handle. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact a qualified plumber.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. To fix this problem, you will need to remove the faucet handle and replace the washer.
  • Another common cause of a dripping faucet is a loose faucet connection. To fix this problem, you will need to tighten the connection between the faucet and the water supply line.
  • If you are unable to fix the dripping faucet yourself, you should contact a qualified plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose and repair the problem quickly and efficiently.

By following the steps in this article, you can easily fix a dripping faucet single-handle and prevent future problems.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.