Fixing a Dripping Faucet: Replace the Spring and Washer

A dripping faucet can be traced to one side with a simple test: shut off the hot angle stop, watch the faucet for a minute, then shut off the cold. In this demonstration the drip kept going with the hot side off and stopped immediately when the cold side was closed, showing the leak was on the cold side. The video, from Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education, lays out six steps for fixing it.

Find the leaking side

The first step is gathering tools: a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, needle nose pliers and a pick tool for pulling out small washers and springs. The second step is turning off the water. A rag protects the counter and holds the tools. The plumber turned off the hot angle stop first, saw the dripping continue, then closed the cold side and the drip stopped. He turned the hot side back on. He notes that since the faucet is already being opened, a homeowner might rebuild the other side too.

Take it apart

The handle comes off with a screwdriver, and the handle is set on the rag to avoid scratching or chipping the countertop. Next, check that the packing nut is tight, since a loose one could keep the cartridge from seating on the spring and washer. A wrench is used to loosen it, and a strap wrench is sometimes preferred. On a hot side, he would open the pressure first so water drains out.

With the cartridge out, look at its bottom: stainless steel or ceramic pieces should be clean and free of scratches. Down in the hole sits a round rubber washer with a spring beneath it, about finger deep. A pick tool pulls both out, taking care not to push against the brass and scratch it. The spring and washer are all that needs changing unless the cartridge itself needs replacing.

Reassemble

The new spring is tapered on one end, and the tapered end goes inside the washer; forcing the larger end in causes problems. Pushing the washer up and down should show it moving slightly. Heat proof grease is optional, and some plumbers use it. The cartridge has a notch that lines up with notches in the faucet. The flat side faces the handle side, and the holes must move toward the washer when the handle turns so water can flow. The nut goes on hand tight, then the wrench is used only until it touches, not to overtighten. Caps marked hot and cold go on their matching sides.

Test it

Open the handle after shutting off the water to confirm it is really off, because a bad washer in the angle stop could cause a flood during disassembly. After reassembly, turn the cold side back on and look around the handle for drips. If a leak remains, repeat the steps. Wrong springs, washers or cartridge could be the cause, and if the faucet can't be fixed, the video says to call a plumber.