How to fix a leaky faucet with two handles? A leaky faucet can add an extra drip to your monthly water bill, and it can cause other problems like a dripping noise that disturbs the peace at night. Fixing a common two-handled kitchen or bath faucet is one of the easiest do-it-yourself tasks you can take on.
Are you thinking of how to fix leaky kitchen faucet or how to fix a Leaky old-fashioned faucet? Well, this article will show you how you can fix actually. So, go through this article to know more about the faucets and how you can fix them
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet with Two Handles
If you want to know how to fix leaky faucet handles then you will need some material first. So, gather your material and start working-
Required Materials:
- A pair of faucet handles
- A screwdriver
- A supply stop tube wrench, adjustable wrench, or channel lock pliers
Process:
Step 1: Turn off Water
The first step to fixing a leaky faucet is to turn off the water going to the faucet. Usually, there is a cut-off valve just beneath the sink that you can turn clockwise with a valve key. If there is no cut-off valve, you will have to go into the main water supply and shut it off from the outside. This can be dangerous and should not be done unless you know what you are doing!
Step 2: Existing Faucet Off
The next step is to take the existing faucet handles off of the sink. They usually unscrew counter-clockwise. Sometimes handles are secured in place by a small screw that can be removed with a screwdriver.
Step 3: Remove Washer
The next step is to remove the rubber washer and/or O-ring from underneath one of the faucet handle or spout. Use your fingers to pull it off if possible, or a pair of pliers if that does not work. If this is a new faucet and you need to install a washer, insert it into the opening on top of the valve body. Slide both handles over the valve body and turn them down until they are seated firmly in place.
Step 4: Adjusting the Temperature
Turn on the water supply at the shut-off valves beneath your sink. Check for leaks by looking underneath the faucet handles where they are joined to the valves.
If you have small children, turn off the hot water tap using its handle before adjusting the temperature of either tap. You can adjust it once it has cooled down a bit.
The hot water tap has a red or colored band that indicates the maximum temperature. It is usually about twelve o’clock on the handle. The cold water tap has an outside ring that needs to be turned until it lines up with the indicator mark for the maximum temperature, which is usually between 3 and 5. You can adjust either faucet to a lower temperature, but not higher.
Step 5: Check
Once you have both water valves turned so that they are no longer running, take one of the handles off again and turn on the cold water tap. Check for leaks. When there are no leaks, put your handle back on and try it out!
How to fix a leaky kitchen faucet single handle
We have an older Delta faucet with a cartridge in it. It has been slowly leaking so I bought a replacement cartridge and installed it. The problem is that the hot side of the faucet only works on full blast, there’s no temperature control now. Is this something I could fix myself?
There are two main causes for a leaking faucet, the o-rings, and the cartridge. O-rings are cheap and easy to replace so let’s talk about that first. If you have an older faucet it probably has a washer in the main spout that can wear out with age. Either way, this is not something you want to take a chance on and you want to shut the water off at the wall before working on a leaky faucet. Here’s what you need:
Replacing O-rings in a Kitchen Faucet
Take the screws out of the handle with a screwdriver. Some handles have a screw or two on top so check both sides. You’ll find one or two screws on the underside holding it to the base.
Take the handle off by pulling it toward you gently, there should be some resistance since you’re pulling against the o-ring. Watch out for any sharp edges on your valve that might scratch you as you pull up on the handle.
Take your replacement washer (o-ring) and place it in the recess inside the spout. Put the handle back on, making sure you don’t pinch any o-rings by accident. Screw down firmly but gently until it’s tight against the sink.
Now check for leaks, turn on the water at the valve behind your sink.
FAQs
1. How do you fix a leaking double handle bathroom faucet American standard?
– To fix a leaky single-handle bathroom faucet in an American Standard, you’ll need to replace the rubber washer. Remove the cover on top of the stem under the handle by loosening it with a screwdriver or by simply pulling it off depending on which type your model has. Then remove the screws holding down the cap over the faucet. Remove the cap and you’ll see a metal stem with a screwdriver slot in it.
At this point, if your handle is still attached, you will need to remove it as well by pulling the handle up and turning counterclockwise until it comes off. You’ll now be able to see the upper washer that keeps water from leaking out. Remove the washer, put in your new one (be sure to use plumbers tape before inserting the washer) and replace everything you removed when you started.
2. How do you fix a Delta faucet with two handles?
– Screw off the cap, remove the screw holding the cartridge down, pull out the cartridge and replace it.
Final Note
Hopefully, you have understood how you can fix a leaky faucet by yourself. If you can’t not make a solution then you are recommended to bring a professional plumber to fix that issue.