A leaky faucet is a pretty common problem and an easy one to fix. But before you can make a repair, you have to determine the cause of the leak. Use this guide from Express Sewer & Drain to determine the cause of your leak, or, if you would like a professional evaluation, give us a call. Our highly trained staff of Sacramento plumbers can inspect the problem and make any necessary repairs for you.

Faucet Leaks from the Handle

If the faucet leaks from the handle, you may need to tighten or replace the packing nut, clean the stem, or replace the O-ring or washer. For two handle faucets, the problem is usually with one handle or the other. You can determine which handle is leaking by first turning on the hot water to see if this stops the leak. If so, the hot water handle is the problem. If not, try the same thing with the cold water. If this stops the leak, the cold water faucet is causing the leak. However, it’s a good idea to go ahead and repair both handles since they are likely to both be worn.

Faucet Leaks from Spout

If the faucet leaks from the the base of the spout, you may need to replace the O-ring or clean inside the faucet assembly with an abrasive sponge. If the faucet drips from the spout, you may need to replace the seat washer or the valve seat for compression style faucets. For other types of faucets, you may need to replace the cartridge or disk.

Faucet Leaks under the Sink

If the faucet leaks underneath the sink, run the faucet and look for the source of the leak. If it’s a leaky drain pipe, you may need to tighten the slip nuts or perform a simple pipe repair. 

Get Expert Faucet Repair

While fixing a leaking faucet can be easy to do yourself, you may feel more comfortable calling in the experts. At Express Sewer & Drain, we’re here for all your plumbing needs, from faucet repair to pipe repair and everything in between. Give us a call—we’re your go-to source for trusted Sacramento plumbers.