How to Fix Water Faucets

No one likes a drippy water faucet or one that makes all kinds of noise when you try to turn it on and off. There are many makes and models, but they generally fall into just two groups. There are washerless faucets and washer-type faucets. The washerless models are easier to repair than many people think.

• When working with washerless faucets it is most likely that you will have to replace worn out parts to correct the problem. There is usually a kit that will contain all the parts you will need. Should that not be the case you may have to replace the entire washer.


• First washerless type would be the disc style faucet. The water flow is controlled by discs within the faucet which rotate and when aligned correctly the permit the water to flow. As those discs wear through normal usage they will allow the faucet to leak. They must be replaced, as turning them harder will not stop the leaking.


• The next washerless faucet would be the cartridge style. These models have only one part that actually moves. The stem of the faucet moves up and down to permit water flow and you turn the handle right or left for hot and cold water. If there is leaking in a cartridge faucet you must replace the cartridge to stop it.


• Next would be the ball type faucets. These faucets work with a single handle, which as with the cartridge provides both hot and cold water. They can leak at both the handle and the spigot. Handle leaks are usually just a tension adjustment or can be from a worn cam gasket. Leaks at the spigot will most likely be from may be from worn spring loaded soft rubber seat assemblies.


• Last would be the diaphragm type faucets. These are much like washer type faucets but actually do not have a washer in them. There is a rubber diaphragm between the stem and seat that creates a straight down frictionless closing that shuts off the water flow. Like in the washer type they have two handles.