Fixing Leaky Faucets
Compression Faucets. If water leaks from the handle:
* Tighten the packing nut; or
* Replace the packing, which may be a washer, an O-ring, or twine that is wound around the compression stem.
If water drips from the spout, you may need to replace a washer or replace a corroded valve seat:
* Turn off the shutoff valve for that fixture;
* Take off the faucet handle;
* Remove the stem; and
* Replace the worn part.
While you're at it, take this opportunity to lubricate the threads of the stem with silicone grease.
Disc Faucets. Disc assemblies don't often wear out, but sometimes the inlet and outlet seals fail:
* Turn off the shutoff valve for that fixture;
* Replace worn seals with seals duplicating the originals; and
* Be sure to realign the seals on the bottom of the cartridge with the holes in the faucet.
