How to Repair a Leaky Compression Faucet in Your Home

If your faucet doesn't seem to be putting out as much water as it used to, the problem just might be a clogged aerator on the nozzle of a faucet. Unscrew the aerator from the nozzle, take the pieces apart, and wash them clean under the faucet. Notice how the pieces fit so you can put it back together the same way it was. If you can't unscrew the aerator by hand, wrap some adhesive or electrician's tape around it to protect its finish, and turn it counterclockwise with a pair of pliers.

If a spout leaks when the water is turned off, you probably have a bad washer or seat that allows water to slip past. The repair is made through the handles. With two handles and one spout, you can tell which handle has the problem by turning off one of the supply stops under the sink. If the leak stops when you turn off one of the stops, you have found which side has the leak.

The screw for removing the handle is right on top of the handle. However, it may be hidden beneath a decorative cap. If so, unscrew or pry off the cap before you remove the screw that holds the handle. Then pull off the handle. You may have to work it back and forth a little to get it loose.

Beneath the handle is the packing nut. Remove it by turning the nut counterclockwise with a wrench. Protect its chrome or gold-covered finish with tape. Then lift out the entire assembly. You will have to turn it counterclockwise a few turns as you remove it. On the bottom of the assembly is a brass screw holding the washer in place. Remove the screw and the washer. Replace the washer with one exactly the same size and shape and replace the brass screw if it is bent or worn. If the washer has a beveled edge, the bevel always faces toward the screw head. While you have the washer assembly out, inspect the valve seat, too. If it is rough or chipped, it should be resurfaced or replaced. Otherwise it will just continue to wear out washers very quickly.

A gouged or roughened valve seat prevents the washer from fitting properly. To see if it can be replaced, look for a square, hexagonal, or round hole in the center of the seat. If it has a square or hexagonal hole, use a special seat wrench or an Allen wrench to unscrew it. Take the old seat to the store and get a replacement that matches it exactly.

If the seat has a round hole, it cannot be replaced and will have to be refaced. For this job, buy an inexpensive valve seat tool. Professional refacers cost well over ten dollars, but you can usually find a tool designed for homeowners that sells for three or four dollars. Make sure the one you buy has a guide or uses the faucet's packing nut for a guide. With the faucet dismantled, set the guide into the top of the faucet or put the shaft through the packing nut and screw it onto the faucet. Turn the refacing tool down until it touches the seat. Work it back and forth to shave the seat smooth.