Instructions / Assembly

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Compression-Type Faucet Repair)
The first thing to do when fixing a faucet drip is to turn off the water supply. You should be able to turn off the supply at a nearby
shutoff, but if your house is not equipped with shutoffs for individual fixtures, you'll have to go to the main shutoff and turn off
the entire water supply to your home. What follows are ways to address a drip in a compression-type faucet.
What You'll Need
Use these tools on a compression-type faucet:
Screwdriver
Penetrating oil
Slip-joint pliers or adjustable wrench
Replacement washers
No matter what a compression-type faucet looks like, whether
it has separate handles for hot and cold water or just one that
operates both hot and cold, it operates according to certain
basic principles.
Here's how to disassemble a compression-type faucet and
stop a drip:
Step 1: Shut off water supply, and remove
faucet handle held to main body of faucet by unscrewing tiny
screw on top or at back of handle. Some screws are hidden
by metal or plastic button or disc that snaps out or is thread-
ed. Once you get button out, you'll see top-mounted handle
screw. If necessary, use penetrating oil, such as WD-40, to
help loosen it.
Step 2: Remove handle, and look at faucet assembly.
Remove packing nut with large pair of slip-joint pliers or adjustable wrench, being careful not to scar metal. Twist out stem or
spindle by turning it in the same direction you would to turn on faucet.
Step 3: Remove screw that holds washer. Use penetrating oil, if necessary, to loosen screw. Examine screw and stem, replac-
ing if damaged.
Step 4: Replace old washer with an exact replacement. Washers that almost fit will almost stop the drip. Also note whether old
washer is beveled or flat, and replace it with one that is identical. Washers designed only for cold water expand greatly when
they get hot, thereby closing the opening and slowing the flow of hot water. Some washers will work for either, but you should
make sure the ones you buy are exact replacements.
Step 5: Fasten new washer to the stem, and reinstall assembly in faucet. Turn stem clockwise. With stem in place, put packing
nut back on. Be careful not to scar metal with wrench.
Step 6: Reinstall handle and replace button or disc. Turn water supply back on, and check for leaks.